SK Sturm Graz sporting director Michael Parensen has addressed speculation in the Scottish and Austrian media linking Denmark U21 international of Nigerian descent Tochi Chukwuani with a January move to Scottish Premiership giants Rangers.

On the second day of Sturm Graz's training camp in Marbella, the Austrian champions were held to a 2–2 draw by Club Brugge in a friendly on Thursday. 

Chukwuani was notably absent from the matchday squad, a development that further fuelled rumours of an imminent transfer.

Reports suggest Rangers are keen on securing the 22-year-old's services, with a proposed fee in the region of €4.5 million.

Chukwuani joined Sturm Graz from Lyngby BK in the summer of 2024 for a modest €200,000, meaning the club would stand to make a significant profit should he depart.

Responding to the speculation, Parensen told Krone newspaper: "Yes, we are in joint talks with Tochi, he will not play today either, we don't want to take any risks because something could happen, but not necessarily something has to happen."

This season, Chukwuani has featured in 26 matches across all competitions for Sturm Graz, including seven appearances combined in the Europa League and Champions League qualifiers.

The midfielder is under contract with the reigning Austrian Bundesliga champions until the summer of 2028.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel