Naderi Alternative: Rangers Ready to Battle Celtic to Sign £5m Goal Machine

Rangers are weighing up the possibility of moving for Motherwell forward Tawanda Maswanhise as they continue to explore attacking reinforcements before the January transfer window slams shut, with the Zimbabwe international emerging as a serious alternative to Ryan Naderi.

According to reports from Sports Boom, the Ibrox club are monitoring Maswanhise’s situation closely as they look to bolster their firepower during the final days of the window.

The Light Blues’ interest comes against the backdrop of a season that has dramatically turned around after a deeply troubling start. Early struggles threatened to derail Rangers’ campaign, but the appointment of Danny Rohl has proved transformative.

Since the German coach arrived, performances have improved markedly, results have followed, and belief has been restored within the squad. Rangers now find themselves just four points adrift of Premiership leaders Hearts, a position that would have seemed unlikely earlier in the season.

One of the defining moments of Rohl’s tenure so far has been his victory over Celtic in his first and only Old Firm derby to date. That result not only boosted morale among players and supporters but also underlined the progress Rangers have made under new leadership.

Despite this resurgence, Rohl remains convinced that his squad still needs additional attacking quality if they are to sustain their title push and turn momentum into silverware.

With the January deadline looming, Rangers are actively assessing several forward options who could be brought in before the window closes on Monday.

While Ryan Naderi of Hansa Rostock has been a primary target, complications in negotiations have prompted the club to consider alternatives, with Maswanhise now firmly on their radar.

Maswanhise has enjoyed a standout campaign with Motherwell and has been one of the most eye-catching performers in Scottish football this season.

The 23-year-old has already scored 14 goals in 26 appearances across all competitions, a return that places him among the most prolific attackers in the league.

His form has not gone unnoticed, attracting attention from multiple clubs both domestically and beyond.

Celtic are understood to be admirers of the Zimbabwe international, adding another layer of intrigue to the situation.

However, Rangers are also monitoring developments closely, particularly as they await clarity over their pursuit of Naderi.

The Ibrox side have reportedly submitted a bid exceeding £3 million for the 22-year-old Hansa Rostock striker, but the German third-tier outfit are reluctant to sanction his departure before the summer, complicating Rangers’ plans.

With discussions over Naderi continuing but no breakthrough yet achieved, Rangers are keen to ensure they are not left short-handed in attack. As a result, contingency options such as Maswanhise are being carefully evaluated.

It is believed that Motherwell would demand a fee in the region of £5 million to consider allowing their prized asset to leave during the current window, reflecting both his importance to the team and his impressive output this season.

Maswanhise’s stock has risen even further following his performances on the international stage.

He recently featured at the Africa Cup of Nations, where he impressed with his energy, composure and goal threat.

Since returning from the tournament, he has seamlessly picked up where he left off, finding the net in each of his last four appearances for Motherwell.

That run of form has only strengthened his reputation as one of the most in-form forwards in the country.

Despite the growing speculation, Rangers have yet to make formal contact with Motherwell or submit an official offer for Maswanhise.

Nevertheless, with time running out in the transfer window, the situation has the potential to move quickly once a definitive decision is taken by the club’s recruitment team.

Should Rangers decide to push ahead, negotiations could accelerate rapidly in the coming days.

From a sporting perspective, the logic behind Rangers’ search for additional firepower is clear.

At this stage of the season, marginal gains can have a decisive impact on the title race, and adding a proven goalscorer midway through the campaign could be pivotal.

Closing a four-point gap to Hearts will require consistency and cutting edge in front of goal, particularly in tight matches where a single moment can change the outcome.

Rohl has already identified the need for a more dependable source of goals within his squad. While Youssef Chermiti and Bojan Miovski have contributed respectably so far, Rangers believe that bringing in another attacker with a proven scoring record could significantly enhance their chances of lifting the Premiership trophy in May.

In that context, a player like Maswanhise represents more than just squad depth. His ability to score regularly, combined with his recent form and growing confidence, could provide Rangers with an extra dimension in attack.

Whether the club ultimately pursue him or manage to strike a deal for Naderi, the coming days promise to be crucial in shaping Rangers’ season.

As the deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Ibrox to see whether the club make a decisive move in the transfer market.

With momentum building on the pitch and belief returning among supporters, the addition of further attacking quality could prove to be the final piece in Rangers’ title-chasing puzzle.