Ibrox View: Rangers can't allow Rohl's biggest hero to leave as transfer rumours build

Rangers have an opportunity to make a statement of intent over Emmanuel Fernandez.

Fernandez is attracting plenty of interest ahead of the summer transfer window, and the Light Blues face a serious fight to keep hold of the talented centre-back.

The 24-year-old arrived at Ibrox as a relative unknown from Peterborough on a four-year deal last summer, with the switch understandably raising eyebrows in Glasgow.

He then started just one Premiership match between August and November, but has since progressed from strength to strength under Danny Rohl.

As a result, Rangers and the 49ers will be desperate to keep Fernandez.

Why Rangers must fight to keep Emmanuel Fernandez

There aren’t many centre-backs in world football that can so expertly balance protecting their own penalty area with prowess in the opposition box.

Luckily for the Gers, Fernandez is adept at just that. He is a Rolls-Royce defender, crashing into tackles and repelling cross after cross, but also has a crucial scoring touch.

It is no surprise, then, that he has been tipped for a move away. Charlie Adam recently warned that “everybody has a price”, and that is certainly true of Fernandez.

His stock is continuing to rise in meteoric fashion after he made the PFA Scotland Premiership Team of the Year for this season and his international debut for Nigeria.

Supporters have long lambasted the ownership at Ibrox for lacking ambition, but they will have the perfect chance this summer to shed that unwanted reputation.

Despite the likelihood of them receiving eye-watering offers, keeping hold of Fernandez would represent a line in the sand and show rivals that they are hungry for more success.

He has built an outstanding partnership with Nasser Djiga after the latter’s return to the starting XI in recent weeks, and together, they will be crucial in the title run-in.

What are latest Fernandez transfer rumours?

Fernandez has been linked with Borussia Dortmund in recent weeks, while he has also reportedly attracted interest from the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Bayer Leverkusen.

A report from the Scottish Sun would have sounded the alarm bells at Ibrox, with scouts spotted at Falkirk Park to watch Rangers’ pulsating 6-3 victory on April 12.

Rohl will be deeply aware of the speculation surrounding his prized asset, and he will be desperate for the hierarchy to do all they can to resist offers this summer.

Luckily, Fernandez is seemingly relaxed about his uncertain future, having been reluctant to engage with the rumours, and he is not agitating for a new challenge.

That would make it all the more painful if Rangers were to lose him.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Govan.