TZIOLIS IN GERS TALKS
From Back Page would see the pair reunited after a spell working together at Panathinaikos.
Caixinha has assembled a list of signing targets which also includes Ghana defender Rashid Sumaila but that deal looks in serious doubt after the Light Blues were told the player would command a sizeable transfer fee.
Tziolis fits the bill, however, as he’s available for free this summer when his current six-month deal in Edinburgh ends.
The 32-year-old would add some grit to a Rangers midfield which has been criticised for being lightweight and lacking defensive steel.
Tziolis was part of Greece’s disastrous Euro 2016 qualifying campaign and arrived at Tynecastle on a short-term deal in January after being freed by PAOK Salonica.
Former Panathinaikos assistant boss Caixinha will be hoping to sell him on a move after working together during the 2007-08 season.
Landing the Greek would be a boost for the Portuguese boss after his bid to sign Sumaila suffered a major setback.
It has emerged that Ibrox chiefs will have to fork out a hefty transfer fee to land the 24-year-old after Qadsia SC claimed the centre-back is under contract for the next three years.
Caixinha admitted last week that he was monitoring Sumaila, whom he had on loan at his former team Al-Gharafa in Qatar.
The defender was expected to be available on a free transfer with his deal at Qadsia SC expired – but the Kuwati outfit are adamant that’s not the case.
In a statement they have claimed that Sumaila had actually signed a new contract until 2020 just before he went on loan to Qatar and would cost a sizeable transfer fee for them to sell.
Qadsia SC said: “Prior to Rashid Sumaila joining Al-Gharafa on loan, he extended his contract until the year 2020.
“So far we have had no request from Al-Gharafa to take him back out on loan again.
“We allowed the player to go on loan to Qatar to help with his development and he is an important player in our future plans.”
Rangers need to be astute with their finances as Caixinha looks to make a series of additions to his current squad.
And this latest development from the Middle East will be classed as a disappointing setback.
Caixinha has also been linked with his former players at Santos Laguna, – right-back Jose Abella and central defender Carlos Izquierdoz – as he starts his rebuilding process for next season.
But Izquierdoz has stated that he is happy at his current club and the Portuguse coach may also have to shell out if he wants to land countryman Bruno Alves from Cagliari.
Alves, 35, is aware of Rangers’ interest but he still has one year left on his current contract.
His representatives will meet with officials of the Italian club this week to discover if he is wanted and, if he is, Rangers will need to fund any deal.
Cagliari said: “If Caixinha is interested in me, it’s good news because every Portuguese coach knows about my work.
“I’ve never played in the UK before but it seems like an incredible atmosphere to play your football.”
CELTS CAN BE LEGENDS