RANGERS have a fight on their hands if they want to land KV Oostende forward Fashion Sakala on a free transfer, according to MSN.

The Ibrox club have been heavily linked with a move for the 23-year-old Zambian, whose contract with the Jupiler League outfit expires at the end of the current campaign.

Steven Gerrard has been reportedly keen on wrapping up a Bosman deal for Sakala, who has 13 goals in 24 appearances in the Belgian top flight this season.

Glasgow Times:

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But he could face stiff opposition from France after it emerged that Ligue 1 table-toppers Lille are monitoring the striker's situation.

According to MSN, manager Christophe Galtier is a fan of Sakala and the club have "extensively scouted" the Zambia internationalist in the last few weeks.

Sakala is expected to move on from Oostende once his deal expires, with the club's executive president Gauthier Ganaye telling MSN: "Fashion is a good and important player for the team.

“We have been keen to try and get Fashion to sign a new contract since we took over at the club.

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“We know there is a lot of interest in Fashion but we have had no approach from Rangers to the club with regards to a pre-contract.

“We are hoping we can convince Fashion to remain at KV Oostende and continue his development with us.”