Maccabi Tel Aviv have emerged as strong admirers of Camilo Mena, with the Colombian winger now attracting significant interest from the Israeli giants.
Mena has previously been linked with Rangers during the summer transfer window, but the Ibrox club never made a move for the 23-year-old.
Rangers had the player on their list of options earlier in the window, but no formal approach or bid was made for the Lechia Gdansk winger due to a high asking price.
That remains an important distinction as fresh reports from Poland claim Maccabi Tel Aviv are now seriously interested in securing his services.
The Isreali side are also set to secure the signiture of ex-Gers skipper James Tavernier, who left Scotland at the end of last season as a free agent.
Maccabi face €8 million asking price
According to Polish journalist Piotr Kozminski, Maccabi have taken a strong interest in Mena, who has been on the radar of several clubs.
However, the asking price could prove a significant obstacle. Lechia are reportedly looking for around €8 million for one of their most valuable players.
That figure is well above Maccabi's club-record transfer fee, which stands at €3.5 million.
The Israeli side will therefore have to decide whether they are prepared to significantly increase their previous transfer record to land Mena.
Rangers, meanwhile, are not expected to enter the race. Although the winger was previously considered among their options, the Gers did not progress their interest and are not prepared to meet the reported €8m valuation.
Kevin Kelsy will be the final summer arrival unless circumstances change late in the window.
Mena had Rangers connection earlier in window
Mena's name became linked with Rangers earlier in the summer as the Ibrox club assessed options for their wide areas.
However, there was never a concrete move from Rangers for the Colombian.
The winger did appear to take an interest in the club following Rangers' signing of Daisuke Yokota, a former opponent of Mena’s in Poland.
Shortly after Yokota's arrival was announced, Mena shared a Rangers social media post announcing the transfer.
He quoted the club's post with the message: "A top-class player has arrived in Scotland."
Despite that interaction and the previous speculation surrounding Rangers, there has been no formal transfer approach from the Scottish Premiership side.
Kenny Miller connection adds Rangers interest
Maccabi Tel Aviv are managed by former Rangers striker Kenny Miller, adding another Ibrox connection to the story.
Miller was a teammate of Tavernier's during his third stint with the Ibrox club, playing with the former captain between 2015 and 2018.
Miller has enjoyed a strong start domestically since taking charge, and his squad could now be strengthened further if Maccabi can reach an agreement for Mena.
Miller was recently asked about his reported interest in Tavernier after his side’s 3-1 victory over Maccabi Haifa.
The former Rangers striker described Tavernier as an "excellent" player and confirmed that his name had come up at the club, although he refused to discuss a player who was not yet part of his squad.
Tavernier's impending arrival would give Maccabi another player with extensive Rangers experience.
Israeli window remains open
Maccabi have until September 16 to complete their domestic transfer business, meaning they have considerably more time than Rangers to negotiate a deal for Mena.
The €8m valuation could ultimately determine whether the interest develops into a formal offer.
However, at Ibrox, Mena's emergence as a Maccabi target should not be interpreted as a fresh transfer battle involving the Ibrox club.
The Gers considered the winger earlier in the window but never made a move and are not expected to meet Lechia's reported asking price.
Maccabi Tel Aviv therefore appear to have a clear opportunity to pursue the deal without Rangers entering the race.
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