Glasgow Rangers join the race to sign Nigerian teenage centreback Akpe this summer

SCOTTISH giants Glasgow Rangers have joined the race to sign promising Nigerian centreback Akpe Victory from Hungarian side Zalaegerszegi during the forthcoming summer transfer window.

Victory, 19, is one of Africa’s fastest-rising young talents and has been sensational in the Hungarian league over the last season. Transfer insider Jacobs Ben reports that talks have already begun between Rangers and the player’s representatives, with the Ibrox club preparing an offer that could be worth around £4.5m for Victor's services.

Benfica, however, have also made an approach, while scouts from clubs in Germany, Spain and France are continuing to monitor the teenagers' progress closely. Rangers manager Danny Rohl is understood to be keen on strengthening his defence after his side fell away in the Scottish Premiership title race during the closing weeks of the season.

During the course of the season, Rangers had remained in contention for long periods but four defeats in their opening four matches of the post-split top-six phase damaged their hopes of catching rivals Celtic and Hearts. Victory’s physical presence is believed to be one of the main reasons behind Rangers’ interest.

Standing at 6ft 5in, the teenager has earned praise in Hungary for his dominance in the air, his calmness on the ball and his ability to read danger early. An Abuja-born defender, Victory has made 15 senior appearances this season and scored once, a notable achievement for a player still in the early stages of his professional career.

Victory was a relative unknown youngster before he left Nigeria last year. Before moving to Hungary, he spent time at the Hyraj Academy in Lagos and later played in Lithuania with FK Banga Gargždai, which helped earn him a move to Hungary.

At the moment, he is under contract at Zalaegerszegi until 2028, with the club holding an option to extend the deal by another year. One factor that could work in Rangers’ favour is the success of fellow Nigerian defender Emmanuel Fernandez at Ibrox.

Fernandez, 24, joined Rangers from Peterborough United last summer and quickly became an important player, scoring seven goals in 32 appearances during his debut season. He also earned recognition with Nigeria's Super Eagles after his move to Scotland, something Victory will hope to achieve if his career continues on its current path.

Rangers believe Victory could form a powerful partnership with Fernandez at the heart of their defence. Both players are physically strong, dangerous from set-pieces and comfortable playing in modern attacking systems that require defenders to carry the ball forward.

Benfica, however, have built a strong reputation for developing young talent before selling them on for huge profits and that pathway could appeal to the Nigerian teenager. Victory currently has an estimated value of €100,000 according to Transfermarkt.