Middlesbrough have joined Rangers in the pursuit of Leicester City winger Stephy Mavididi.

Rangers face competition from Middlesbrough for Stephy Mavididi

Middlesbrough have entered the race to sign Leicester City winger Stephy Mavididi, giving Rangers fresh competition for the experienced attacker.

The 28-year-old is among the players Leicester could look to move on this summer as the club attempt to generate funds by selling some of their more valuable assets. Jeremy Monga, Harry Winks and Abdul Fatawu have already departed.

Middlesbrough join Rangers in Mavididi chase

Rangers have maintained an interest in Mavididi for some time. Reports previously indicated that the Ibrox club had opened discussions with Leicester regarding a potential transfer, with suggestions that they could be prepared to spend around £7 million to secure his services.

Derek McInnes is keen to strengthen his attacking options, but Rangers now face increased competition after Middlesbrough emerged as another potential destination.

Boro have reportedly turned their attention towards Mavididi following Delano Burgzorg’s loan move to Preston North End. Several other Championship clubs are also believed to be monitoring the situation involving the former Arsenal academy player.

Mavididi joined Leicester from Montpellier for a reported £6.4 million and could now be available as the Foxes continue to reshape their squad.

Leicester boss Russell Martin has already moved to strengthen his wide areas following Monga’s switch to Manchester City, bringing in Tommy Watson on loan. Both Watson and Mavididi featured in Leicester’s opening EFL Cup fixture against Northampton Town, with Watson starting in the 1-0 victory.

McInnes must decide whether Mavididi is worth pursuing

Rangers have already made progress in reshaping their wide options. Oliver Antman left earlier in the summer and was replaced by Daisuke Yokota, while the club have also reportedly agreed a deal for PSV winger Couhaib Driouech.

However, another attacking addition could still be valuable for McInnes, particularly with Youssef Chermiti facing a lengthy spell out after suffering a serious injury against Hibernian.

Mavididi could offer Rangers pace, experience and a direct threat from the wing. If he can reproduce the form he showed during his first season at Leicester, he could become an important addition to the Ibrox squad.

The problem for Rangers is that Middlesbrough and several Championship sides are now also pursuing the winger. With competition increasing, McInnes and the Rangers recruitment team may need to decide quickly whether Mavididi is a priority before another club wins the race for his signature.