Rangers ahead of Rennes, Schalke in race for goal-scoring CB who wants to play for Nigeria

Scottish Premiership giants Rangers are in pole position to sign Peterborough United central defender Emmanuel Fernandez in the summer transfer window. 

Despite being eligible for England, Fernandez has made it clear he wants to represent Nigeria's Super Eagles, though he is still in the process of acquiring a Nigerian passport.

Football Insider broke the news on Wednesday morning that Rangers have opened talks to sign the talented defender.  

Fernandez put himself in the shop window after a stellar season that saw him score five goals in 30 appearances in the EFL League One. 

His impressive performance against Everton in the third round of last season's FA Cup caught the attention of Rangers and several top European clubs.

Allnigeriasoccer.com can report with certainty that Rangers face competition for the signature of the dual-national player, with French Ligue 1 club Rennes and German 2. Bundesliga outfit Schalke 04 among the teams showing interest in the defender. 

EFL Championship clubs, plus unnamed teams in Belgium and Italy are also monitoring the situation of Fernandez. 

Rangers are the frontrunners to sign the Super Eagles hopeful, having tabled a five-year contract with negotiations said to be at an advanced stage.

Fernandez was a key player for Peterborough last season, featuring in 42 games out of a possible 58, starting 39 of those.

He also helped The Posh to the English Football League Trophy against Birmingham in the 2024-25 campaign.

Fernandez has a contract with Peterborough United that runs until June 2027.

Boluwatife Adenusi. Additional reporting by Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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