According to CalcioMercato, Glasgow Rangers are still interested in signing long-term target Lovro Majer from Dinamo Zagreb.

What's the word?

Reports at the start of the year revealed that the Light Blues were tracking the Croatia U21 international back in January. But Steven Gerrard's side ended up signing Ianis Hagi initially on loan instead, before he impressed in his short spell at Ibrox before the Scottish Premiership was suspended in March.

And Rangers signed the Romania international on a permanent deal from Genk in the summer as he was described by Gerrard as a "pleasure to coach."

It's claimed that the Gers remain in the race to sign Majer in the winter transfer window but will face stiff competition from some of Europe's top clubs, including Borussia Dortmund, Fiorentina, Sevilla and Valencia, whilst Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds United are also closely monitoring the situation. But Ross Wilson must sanction a swoop for the £2m-rated ace, otherwise he may never get another opportunity.

Better than Kranjcar?

Croatia has become a scouting ground for the Gers in recent years, having signed both Borna Barisic and Nikola Katic since Steven Gerrard first took charge at the Ibrox outfit.

For every Nikica Jelavic or Dado Prso, there has been a Niko Kranjcar, so Ross Wilson may want to tread very carefully indeed.

This season, Majer has made one appearance in the Europa League, whilst he has averaged one shot, three key passes and three dribbles per game, via WhoScored. In comparison, Hagi has only managed one key pass per game, as per WhoScored.

The 22-year-old has scored three goals and supplied two assists in six games in the Croatian top flight, otherwise known as the 1.HNL, after bagging a brace against NK Lokomotiva at the start of the season, via Transfermarkt.

On the other hand, Kranjcar could only manage to score one goal and supply one assist in sixteen appearances in the Scottish Premiership, via Transfermarkt. The veteran was 31 at the time of his arrival and was plagued by constant injury setbacks over the course of his career, so he was undoubtedly past his peak, whereas Majer, who plays in a similar position, has stayed unscathed so far.

Despite his young age, Majer has already been compared to Ballon d'Or winner Luka Modric. Hagi has also been tipped for greatness, with his father Gheorghe Hagi recently insisting that his son has a similar playing style to current Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane. Even so, he has copped a fair amount of criticism so far, as well.

Whilst it's too early to tell whether or not Majer will be better than Kranjcar, it's fair to say that, unlike his countryman, the youngster remains a relatively risk-free signing. One thing's for sure, he's certainly on the right track if his record is anything to go by.

Gerrard has shown he can get the best out of young players, as he has worked wonders with both Hagi and Calvin Bassey. So, he could take his game to the next level if he moves to Ibrox, as he'd almost certainly be guaranteed games. Get it done, Gers, before it's too late!

AND in other news, Glasgow Rangers striker Kemar Roofe steals the show against Standard Liege...