Rangers set to launch bid for £12million English Premier League star as Russell Martin eyes defensive reinforcements

Rangers are preparing to make an offer for Bournemouth defender Chris Mepham, a 27-year-old Welsh international who has one year remaining on his current contract. Having spent last season on loan at Sunderland, Mepham is considered surplus to requirements at Bournemouth, who are eager to sell the player originally signed for £12 million in 2019, potentially allowing Rangers to secure a cut-price deal.

Rangers manager Russell Martin is actively seeking to strengthen his defensive options before the transfer window closes, having already added Nasser Djiga and Emmanuel Fernandez. Mepham, an experienced international with nearly 50 caps for Wales and participation in both the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024, would represent the club's third signing from Bournemouth this summer, following the loan acquisition of Max Aarons and the signing of Joe Rothwell.

In other transfer activity, Rangers are also working on arranging a loan departure for Nedim Bajrami, an Albanian international whom Martin is keen to move on this summer. Additionally, forward Hamza Igamane appears likely to leave after refusing to come on as a substitute against St Mirren, with Martin revealing post-match that the 22-year-old Moroccan claimed injury when intended to be introduced around the 60-minute mark. The club has already rejected a bid for Igamane this week.