Glasgow Rangers are believed to be interested in a move for Algerian playmaker, Ahmed Kendouci, ahead of the January transfer window, having previously been linked with the midfielder earlier this year.
What's the word?
According to African Insider, the Ibrox outfit - as well as Egyptian side Al Ahly - are believed to be keeping tabs on the 23-year-old, with the Gers having seemingly also been interested in signing the ES Setif star just under 12 months ago.
As per the source on Twitter: "Rangers & Al Ahly are interested in ES Sétif midfielder Ahmed Kendouci (23). The Algerian League top scorer is available for a low 7-figure sum, following a failed move last January. Kendouci can be deployed as an attacking midfielder or left-back."
The exciting gem - who was said to be valued at around £1m - was also reportedly of interest to Old Firm foes Celtic back in January, albeit with no such move to Glasgow coming to fruition.
Beale can 'complete' his midfield
New boss Michael Beale is seemingly looking to strengthen his charges in the New Year, with the 42-year-old likely in need of further quality if he is to try and close the cap on Ange Postecogou's league leaders.
Adding Kendouci into the mix could well be the creative spark that the Light Blues are in need of, with the highly-rated ace having notably been dubbed the "complete midfielder" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, as a result of his sparkling club form over the past few seasons.
That quality is evidenced by the fact that emerging talent has scored 22 goals and laid on 19 assists in just 107 games in all competitions for his current side to date, including a promising tally of eight goals and six assists during the 2021/22 campaign.
The year prior had also proven particularly fruitful for the midfield maestro - who offers invaluable versatility as he can operate on the flanks but also in a more central role - as he chipped in with 11 goals and 11 assists in 43 games across all fronts.
That prolific form as both a goal-getter and provider will no doubt have caught Beale's attention as the Englishman looks to revamp his underperforming squad, with Kendouci someone of "huge potential", according to transfer insider Dean Jones, who could ignite the Scottish giants in the second half of the season.
A player who has a "left foot made of gold" - in the words of the aforementioned Kulig - the fleet-footed starlet seemingly has the talent to be able to make things happen in the final third, with that fresh injection of magic likely just what Rangers are in need of at present.
Having been unable to get Kendouci through the door at the start of the year, during Giovanni van Bronckhorst's tenure, the Ibrox side could well put that missed opportunity behind them and strike a deal this time around.