Published Jul 22, 2026, 6:42 PM GMT+1

Emilio is an experienced football journalist who has worked at Football FanCast for over six years.

After graduating with first-class honours from the University of Central Lancashire in 2019, it didn't take long for Emilio to clinch his first job in journalism at Snack Media, now Valnet.

Emilio has written for a host of the company's biggest past and current football news websites - Vital Football, The Transfer Tavern and Football FanCast. 

Emilio's strengths include the intricacies of football transfers, while he particularly enjoys writing about the business side of football. He has covered Tottenham Hotspur on a weekly basis for a number of years now, developing a deep understanding of the culture and what Lilywhites fans engage with.

In his spare time, you can find Emilio travelling the world, or even in a boxing ring.

Lawrence Shankland has arrived to strengthen the attack, while Dan Neil has added energy and quality in midfield.

Ben Godfrey has bolstered the defence on loan, Ross McCrorie has returned to the club, goalkeeper Ivor Pandur has been brought in, and Cammy Devlin has also joined as McInnes reshapes his squad.

The Rangers boss has repeatedly stressed his desire for experienced, ready-made players capable of coping with the pressure of representing the club, although he has also made it clear recruitment remains ongoing before the transfer window closes.

One player now attracting serious attention is Troyes defender Sankhoun Diawara.

The left-footed centre-back enjoyed an impressive breakthrough campaign with Troyes, helping the French side earn promotion while establishing himself as one of Ligue 2's most promising young defenders.

Standing over six feet tall, Diawara combines physical strength with composure in possession and has shown the recovery pace needed to defend high up the pitch.

He also offers natural balance on the left side of central defence, something many clubs actively search for in the modern game.

Earlier this month, Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna reported that Rangers presented Diawara with an "ambitious project" as they attempted to convince him that Ibrox represented the best next step in his career.

The opportunity to play regular senior football and potentially compete in Europe could prove a major attraction for a player still at the beginning of his professional journey.

However, the Gers are braced for a growing battle to seal his signature.

Rangers battle Udinese and RB Leipzig for Sankhoun Diawara

According to Sky Italia journalist Luca Bendoni, Rangers now face fresh competition for Diawara, following reports of interest from AC Milan on Tuesday.

Bendoni reports that McInnes' side are also racing with RB Leipzig and Udinese to secure the Frenchman.

Both clubs have strong reputations for developing young talent, meaning Rangers face another significant challenge despite their long-standing interest.

The latest update underlines how highly Diawara is regarded across Europe.

Leipzig have built an excellent reputation for identifying young players before they reach the very top level, while Udinese have consistently uncovered emerging talent from France and developed them into established Serie A performers.

Even so, Rangers still have reasons to remain optimistic.

Unlike some of their rivals, they can offer a realistic pathway into senior football almost immediately, with domestic title challenges and European fixtures providing valuable experience for an ambitious young defender.

If Rangers eventually complete the deal, they would be adding another highly-rated prospect to McInnes' rebuilding project.