Rangers look to Kovacevic as McGregor replacement

RANGERS have kicked off their goalkeeper search by pinpointing Vladan Kovacevic as a possible transfer option with Allan McGregor’s Ibrox future still uncertain.

The 24-year-old Bosnia and Herzegovina international is currently plying his trade with Rakow in the Polish first-tier, Ekstraklasa.

Kovacevic still has two years left on his current contract, but Herald and Times Sport understands that Rakow are keen to cash in on a key player while they can.

The former Sarajevo goalkeeper has kept 16 clean sheets in the league and Europa Conference League this season.

Kovacevic has featured against Rangers’ rivals Celtic in Europe over the past four years, conceding six goals over three Champions League and Europa League qualifying clashes.

Kovacevic is yet to feature for the Bosnia and Herzegovina men’s A squad at international level, but he has been capped seven times by their under-21 side.

Guaranteed group stage Champions League football could be a major catch for Kovacevic to join Rangers, with qualification still a possibility via the third-round qualifying stage.

Rangers have already been linked with Schalke goalkeeper Martin Fraisl, West Brom’s Sam Johnstone and Dundee United’s Benjamin Siegrist as potential goalkeeping options.

Ibrox hero McGregor looks certain to retire this summer after making an emotional appearance off the bench during Saturday’s Scottish Cup final.

Jon McLaughlin started, as he had done in all the previous rounds, but the former Hearts keeper told manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst he wanted McGregor to be given a late run-out if appropriate.

It was a first Scottish Cup final appearance for the former Scotland goalkeeper, who has defied his age this season to help Rangers to the Europa League final with some impressive performances.

It could also be the final appearance of McGregor’s career but he is relaxed about his impending decision and will reflect on the campaign before making any decisions.