Reported Rangers target Oscar Gloukh will leave Maccabi Tel Aviv sooner rather than later, according to the player's father. And he's set to have his pick of top clubs across Europe - with Borussia Dortmund, Espanyol and Ajax all keen on the 18-year-old.
Israeli youngster Gloukh turned heads at the Under-19 European Championships, where he starred on their run to the final. Gloukh scored against England in Friday night's big finale and although it wasn't enough to secure the trophy, his performances earned rave reviews.
Likened to former Arsenal and Real Madrid star Mesut Ozil, Rangers scouts are said to have watched the teenager in action and are weighing up a move - although it won't come cheap after Maccabi slapped an £8m price tag on his head. He's seen as one of the brightest prospects Israeli football has produced in recent years and it seems like just a matter of time before a big European club come calling.
It's understood both Dortmund and Espanyol are keen on a move, with the Spanish side already lodging a £4million bid. Meanwhile Ajax are also in contention, although their interest is less concrete.
His father, Gloukh Sr, reckons he's more than ready to make the step up despite being just 18. And while he admits it won't be easy, he reckons he'll be up for the challenge.
He said: “I feel he is more ready than a couple years ago to make the move to a big league. I see him as a player who can cope in Europe. I’m not saying he will have an easy life. He will have to compete with a lot of players for his place. (But) if it’s possible to leave, he will leave.”
Gloukh only made his first-team debut for Maccabi in February this year and has just ten senior appearances to his name. So it remains to be seen if Gio van Bronckhorst has seen enough to sanction a big-money bid for the attacking midfielder.
