Philippe Clement's reported attempt to bring Marseille defender Bamo Meite to the Rangers appears to have been instantly taken off the table.

Reports in France suggest that the defender, who only signed from Lorient permanently in a €10.5m (£8.7m) deal in the summer, is being eyed by the Ibrox side and Montpellier. He was previously linked with a loan move to the Scottish Premiership side in the summer with report suggesting that new boss Roberto De Zerbi wasn't keen on the Ivorian defender.

Meite remained at the Stade Velodrome to fight for his place under the former Brighton gaffer - but has only managed three appearances so far this term with the last coming in September. An exit has been touted with Rangers interest said to be resurfacing after a series of injury problems for Clement at the back. In their draw with Hibs, Dujon Sterling limped off leaving Robin Propper as the only senior centre-back available for the club.

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John Souttar, Leon Baolgun and Neraysho Kasanwirjo were already sidelined for the Easter Road clash. Jack Butland and James Tavernier also continued their absence from the Light Blues backline.

But any attempt to sign Meite looks to be scuppered with the 23-year-old also picking up a knock. After the 5-1 win over Le Harve, De Zerbi revealed that the centre-back faces an extended period on the sidelines.

He said: "Bamo Meite was not on the bench because of a foot problem. Meite was injured yesterday too. It's fairly serious. It could be weeks before he returns."

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