AMSTERDAM — Rangers midfielder Maurice Edu is again drawing transfer attention, MLSsoccer.com has learned, with summer suitors Auxerre and Blackburn among the clubs currently showing more than passing interest in the US international.
In addition to the above pair, multiple sources confirmed to MLSsoccer.com that Bordeaux and Nancy have entered the frame for the 25-year-old, with further competition for his services possible as January approaches.
In August, Auxerre were set to pull the trigger on a deal to bring Edu over from Ibrox upon the departure of Delvin Ndinga, only the expected sale to Lyon fell through. With wider interest in the Congolese midfielder heading toward the winter window, sources indicated that Auxerre have stayed in close contact regarding the American.
Blackburn, meanwhile, have been trying to bolster their defensive midfield stable since last season, when Jermaine Jones arrived for a winter loan. However, they were unable to retain the Schalke man on a permanent transfer this past summer. With the club a spot off the bottom of the EPL table and leaking goals, sources confirmed to MLSsoccer.com that Edu is now high on a Rovers browsing list topped by striker targets. On Monday, England's People tabloid claimed the Ewood Park crew also recently has been checking out Hoffenheim's Daniel Williams as a loan option for the defensive midfield role.
After shedding most of their stars from the 2009 Ligue 1 title team, Bordeaux are currently struggling down in 18th place. Like 16th-place Nancy, they are looking to add some experience to their green midfield stable.
Earlier this year, Edu entertained additional transfer interest from the likes of Bursaspor, Queens Park Rangers and Saint-Étienne. The 25-year-old is under contract with Rangers until summer 2013. On Saturday, boss Ally McCoist told reporters that owner Craig Whyte assured him no players need be sold in January. The Scottish kings — currently 10 points clear at the top of the table — are busy working their way through an admitted financial crisis.
Edu has won three SPL titles and a pair of Scottish League Cups since arriving at Ibrox from Toronto FC in 2008. The Southern California native, named MLS Rookie of the Year in 2007, has scored 11 goals in 101 matches across all competitions for the Light Blues.
The 2010 World Cup veteran will take his usual place in the lineup when Rangers visit Kilmarnock on Sunday. Apart from a one-game suspension earlier this season, Edu has started 29 straight SPL matches when available.
