Steven Gerrard looks to have been handed a potential blow ahead of next season at Ibrox, with Lazio reportedly eyeing a move for Rangers star Ianis Hagi this summer.
According to reports from Italy, the Biancocelesti are keen on signing the Romanian international this summer as they look to amend their goalscoring issues in Serie A.
The report added that a bid of €10m (£8.6m) would be enough to prise the 22-year-old away from Ibrox this summer, and it would surely be a big blow for Gerrard if Hagi were to depart.
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Rangers initially signed the attacking midfielder on loan from Belgian side Genk in January of the 2019/20 season and he contributed three goals and two assists for Gerrard’s side in all competitions, which was clearly enough to convince the 40-year-old to make the transfer a permanent one last summer.
He has continued to impress this season, with seven goals and 12 assists to his name in all competitions, so he has clearly become an important player at Ibrox despite being just 22.
Gerrard was full of praise for Hagi after his double against Braga in the Europa League last season, saying: “Ianis is an outstanding talent and that stage was made for him.”
Therefore, it seems fair to suggest that the former Liverpool captain will be desperate to keep the youngster in his squad ahead of next season, when Rangers will be looking to give a strong account of themselves in the Champions League, as well as attempting to retain the Premiership title they won so impressively this term.
Considering Hagi’s contract isn’t set to expire until 2024, you would hope that Rangers would be able to demand a hefty fee should Lazio make an official approach this summer. However, if the Romanian international is keen on a move to Italy, there may be little that Rangers can do to stand in his way.
And, in other news… Gerrard may already have his McGregor replacement in teen wonderkid training with the first team