Rangers are closing in on a move for Bologna defender Filip Helander - worth a reported £4.2m.
The Swedish international has been with the Serie A side since 2017 and made 23 appearances in all competitions last season.
The towering 6ft 4 in stopper is known for his commanding performances and appears to fit the bill.
Swedish website Sportbladet claim "only some formalities remain before the transition can become official" .
Steven Gerrard is searching for defensive reinforcements and revealed a deal for a new signing was close when he spoke after Rangers Europa League qualifying win over St Joseph's.
He said: "It will be a permanent deal for a defender.
"There is still a way to go but we have had some progress in the last couple of days.
"If things progress as they have in the last 48 hours, I’m hoping something will get done by the end of the week."
Gerrard has already brought in seven new players this summer, including central defender George Edmundson from Oldham in £500,000 deal.
But a fourth option in the heart of defence was always a priority and Helander looks set to complete the backline.
