West Ham are reportedly preparing to make a move for Rangers centre-back Emmanuel Fernandez as interest in the Nigerian defender continues to build.
According to Football FanCast, the Championship club are set to launch an approach for Fernandez, who is also reportedly interesting Bayer Leverkusen over a potential move.
The latest development comes at an interesting point for the defender, who has attracted criticism for aspects of his performances at the beginning of the new campaign despite remaining an important part of Derek McInnes' Rangers side.
West Ham enter Fernandez transfer picture
Fernandez has emerged as a player attracting significant attention after establishing himself at Ibrox.
The reported interest from the now-Championship Hammers now adds another option to a growing transfer picture, with Leverkusen also understood to be exploring a deal.
They have already signed Arne Engels from Celtic, with Hibernian's Josh Mulligan also linked alongside Fernandez's Ibrox teammate Connor Barron.
Rangers will therefore be faced with a decision over one of their key defensive assets should either club make a formal approach before the transfer window closes.
Fernandez's performances have not been universally convincing this season, however, and his display against Jablonec in the first leg of Rangers' Conference League play-off tie came under particular scrutiny.
Jablonec striker delivers Fernandez verdict
Fernandez came up against Jablonec striker Lamin Jawo during Rangers' 1-0 victory at Ibrox, with the pair involved in a physical battle throughout the contest.
Jawo subsequently offered a surprisingly blunt assessment of his duel with the Rangers defender.
“I know Fernandez is a strong and good player who has quality,” Jawo said.
“But I have played against the strongest defenders in the Czech Republic, so this was not that big of a difference for me.
“I think it was 50/50 with him. It was not that difficult and maybe I won more aerial duels than him.”
Those comments will inevitably add another layer to the discussion around Fernandez's recent form, particularly with Rangers now facing interest from clubs of the calibre of West Ham and Bayer Leverkusen.
Rangers face major Fernandez decision
Fernandez remains under contract at Ibrox and Rangers are not under an obligation to sell.
However, with interest reportedly developing on both sides of the English Channel, the coming days could prove significant for the defender's future.
West Ham's reported move would give Rangers another potential bidder to consider, while Leverkusen's involvement could create competition for Fernandez's signature.
Fernandez's recent form may have attracted criticism, but the level of clubs reportedly monitoring him underlines the value Rangers could potentially place on the player, with the club reported to be holding out on a valuation of £25 million.
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