Rangers fans could now see former loanee Lassana Coulibaly make a big Premier League move with Newcastle United showing an interest.

The loanees from the Steven Gerrard era have proven to be a real mixed bag.

Umar Sadiq was mocked during his time at Ibrox but has gone on to become a La Liga striker with Real Sociedad.

At the other end of the spectrum is Ovie Ejaria, who has just had his contract ripped up by Reading.

Sheyi Ojo is now in Belgium with Kortrijk whilst Florian Kamberi plays for Croatian side NK Slaven Belupo – Nikola Katic’s former club.

Newcastle United interested in ex-Rangers loanee Lassana Coulibaly

Then we come to Lassana Coulibaly.

Snapped up on loan from Angers in Gerrard’s first transfer window at Rangers, Coulibaly made a great start to life in Glasgow.

The Malian was hailed as ‘majestic’ by Gerrard following a 1-0 win over Osijek in 2018 and it looked like he was on the way to becoming a star box-to-box midfielder.

Coulibaly’s form nosedived though and basically became a forgotten man following Glen Kamara’s arrival in January 2019.

Now 27, Coulibaly has become an impressive midfielder in Italy having joined Salernitana back in 2021.

Coulibaly is impressing so much that he is now on the radar of Premier League side Newcastle United.

Sky Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Newcastle have scouted Coulibaly alongside teammates Lorenzo Pirola and Boulaye Dia as they consider January signings.

Magpies chief Dan Ashworth was in the stands to watch Salernitana against AC Milan on Friday with Coulibaly in his sights.

Newcastle have suffered major injury problems this season and may now look to add squad players like Coulibaly without breaking the bank.

The idea of seeing Coulibaly in the Premier League would be a rather bizarre sight for Rangers fans but it may become a reality with Newcastle now showing an interest.

This is another example of how development isn’t linear, and Coulibaly could bounce back from a difficult spell at Rangers to land himself a big move, just like Sadiq.