Rangers ‘probably sat up and took more notice’ of Antonio Colak after he scored against them last season, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The 28-year-old has been linked with a move to Ibrox in recent weeks as the future of star striker Alfredo Morelos continues to hang in the balance.

What is the latest news involving Colak?

Colak, who is on the books of Greek outfit PAOK Salonika, spent the first half of 2021/22 on loan at Malmo FF, and appears to have caught the eye of Giovanni van Bronckhorst with his goalscoring exploits.

A recent report from Politic (via the Daily Record) claim that Rangers have seen an opening offer rebuffed as they did not meet PAOK’s €2 million (£1.7m) valuation.

It’s stated that although the Glasgow giants remain keen on Colak, a second offer is not expected to land anytime soon as sporting director Ross Wilson continues to assess his options.

PAOK are said to be open to loaning Colak out once again if a fee cannot be agreed for the Croatia international and will settle for no less than €2.5m (£2.1m).

What has O’Rourke said about Colak?

Rangers are known to be in the market for a new forward following the departure of Cedric Itten and the uncertainty surrounding Morelos.

And Colak could be the player chosen to provide an additional goal threat in the final third of the pitch for Van Bronckhorst’s charges, with O’Rourke believes the club’s chief have ‘seen enough’ to be convicned of his talents.

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In an interview with GiveMeSport, he said: “I'm sure Rangers probably sat up and took more notice of him after he scored against them in the European qualifiers during last season.

“So, obviously, Rangers have seen enough to think that he could be a good signing for them.”

Would Colak be a good signing?

Rangers fans will already be familiar with Colak’s qualities after he bagged a brace against them for Malmo in the third round of Champions League qualification at Ibrox last term.

His double dumped the Scottish side out of Europe’s elite cup competition, but that was really where the 6 foot 2 ace’s campaign peaked.

Colak failed to find the back of the net for Malmo in 14 subsequent fixtures before returning to parent club PAOK in January where he then registered three goals and one assist in 16 outings.

The powerful striker does have a career total of 129 goal contributions in 262 senior club games, though, proving he is capable of providing an attacking threat when called upon.