Glasgow Rangers and Giovanni van Bronckhorst are reportedly eyeing a move to bring young striker Kai Meriluoto to Ibrox, according to Finnish outlet MTV Urheilu.
The lowdown: Rising star
Currently, Meriluoto is on loan at Finnish top-flight outfit Ilves Tampere from third-tier side Klubi 04, the reserves of HJK Helsinki where Meriluoto came through the young ranks.
The 19-year-old Finland youth international has already amassed 40 goals in 76 outings at senior level and was part of the Helsinki side that lifted the Veikkausliiga title in 2020.
Now despite his tender years, it appears as though Meriluoto could already be being eyed up for a move to pastures new...
The latest: On the radar
As per MTV Urheilu, Rangers are believed to have 'expressed' interest in signing the three-cap Finland Under 21 starlet this summer, so have seemingly made an approach ahead of a potential move.
It's claimed that Meriluoto is a 'target' for the Glasgow giants as Van Bronckhorst looks to add support for Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe ahead of another gruelling season.
The report states that 'several other foreign clubs are also interested' in the teenager, who has netted nine goals in 27 appearances across all youth levels for Finland.
The verdict: Planning for the future
Valued at just £90,000 and out of contract with his parent side next December (Transfermarkt), given the likely lowly fee and salary demands, signing Meriluoto is truly the definition of a no-risk venture for the Gers hierarchy.
Although still very much in his development years as a first-team operator, the centre-forward - who can also play in wide areas and deeper roles - has shown a clinical eye for goal during the ongoing 2021/22 campaign with eight strikes in just 15 outings so far, showing he is in-form at this moment in time.
It remains to be seen whether or not parent club HJK would be willing to do a deal for one of their own, however, for Rangers, who are also closing in on PAOK striker Antonio Colak, this would make an abundance of sense in order to bolster the attacking ranks whilst also looking ahead to the next generation of stars.