New York Cosmos determined to fend off Rangers in battle for Niko Kranjcar

via Evening Times |

NEW YORK COSMOS hope to fend off interest from Rangers and tie down midfielder Niko Kranjcar on a new deal this month.

The Croatian is a target for Ibrox boss Mark Warburton as he looks to bolster his squad ahead of a shot at the Premiership title next term.

But Cosmos chief operating officer Erik Stover is keen to talk to the 31-year-old about extending his stay Stateside.

He said: “We are hopeful we can do an extension with Niko but we are aware clubs are interested in him.

“I think he would like to stay with us, it’s a negotiating process.

“There’s an interest from both parties to work something out but time will tell.

“We have been very open with each other from the beginning. Within the next few weeks we’ll know, he needs clarity and so do we.

“He’s been an outstanding player on the field and wonderful off it. I wasn’t aware of Rangers interest, but I’m not surprised.”