Incoming Rangers target Mohammed Diomande is one of the best midfielders in Denmark according to his FC Nordsjaelland boss Johannes Hoff Thorup.

The Ivory Coast playmaker appears to be on the brink of becoming Rangers' second signing of the January transfer window after Fabio Silva arrived on loan from Wolves.

Diomande has made 20 appearances for his club this season, but hasn't scored despite previously having a good goalscoring record.

Last month, Nordsjaelland manager Thorup was quizzed about Diomande's lack of goals this season - he's not scored since May - but he was quick to launch a defence of the 22-year-old.

He said: "Instead of talking about his scoring statistics, why don't we look at the statistics about how many defensive tackles he makes?

"Then it would be turned into a positive story.

"Listen, Mohammed is one of the best midfielders in Denmark.

"He has been absolutely fantastic for us this season and I hope that most people can see that."

Diomende was also praised last season for recovering from a bout of malaria after returning to his homeland.

Thorup said: "He went home on holiday and was ill with malaria.

"He actually lost ten per cent of his body weight because he was so ill.

"So he has done so well to rehabilitate and recover and get back to playing football.

"We all know what he can do."