Rumours over a potential Rangers move for Claudio Marchisio refuse to go away.
The veteran midfielder is a free agent and is also attracting interest from Monaco and the Ibrox club's Europa League opponents Porto.
Reports in Italy last week said Steven Gerrard was interested in signing the 33-year-old, who is believed to be a huge fan of the Rangers boss.
Marchisio spent 13 years with Juventus before joining Zenit St Petersburg in September 2018.
But his spell in Russia was plagued by injuries and he made only 15 appearances, culminating in his contract being mutually terminated back in July.
Italian journalist Nima Tavallaey Roodsari, involved in breaking news of Rangers' interest in Filip Helander, insists the the club have made contact with the player's representatives.
He claims Marchisio's respect for Gerrard could potentially swing the situation in the their favour, although Rangers are not considered front runners in the race to sign him.
He told Rocksport Radio : "As far as Rangers go, I know there is interest in Marchisio,
"That I do know – I’ve had it confirmed.
"They’ve contacted his people, his agent, to see if there’s an interest.
"I don’t have it confirmed that it’s gone much further than that.
“You have to remember that Monaco, Porto, there are a lot of clubs that Marchisio is interested in and have been interested in him.
“I don’t see Rangers as being the favourites to signing him.
“What’s said about Steven Gerrard is true, Steven Gerrard is incredibly respected in Italy by everyone and not just Marchisio.
“I think that’s what speaks more to it, to get to know Gerrard a little bit better.
“Formal negotiations have not really begun as far as I’m aware. I know there’s an interest from Rangers – they would like to snap him up.”
