Rangers will have to defeat Malmo FF if they are to make the Champions League a land of milk and honey – but one of the Swedish club’s most in-demand players underlines the scale of the challenge.

The Gers have certainly earned their favorites tag – even if Allan McGregor and Steven Gerrard wouldn’t be drawn to it – and can be confident if not wary heading into the clash.

But Malmö has talent in his ranks and in 22-year-old Anel Ahmedhodžić there is no greater asset in the whole country of Sweden right now.

The great Bosnian center-back is a key player for Jon Dahl Thomasson’s side alongside Croatian striker Antonio Čolak and Danish playmaker Anders Christiansen.

But only one of the three is followed by top European clubs, with Ahmedhodžić apparently being watched by Serie A clubs Atalanta and Napoli.

It comes after the player has been linked with players like Manchester United and Chelsea, with the player’s father even claiming he blocked a £ 6.9million transfer to Stamford Bridge. [the Sun].

But it is a move to Italy that seems more and more likely according to Tutto Mercato Web and Ahmedhodžić himself.

“I have heard about the interest of Italy and the meetings between some clubs and my agent,” said Ahmedhodžić.

“It’s nice to know that clubs in one of the biggest leagues in the world are interested in me. It confirms how well I’ve done so far.

“Having said that, I am now ready for the next step. I’m in the biggest Swedish club, which everyone hopes to win, so I got used to the pressure and I like it.

“It looks like Italy is my next destination, but nothing has been signed yet, so everything remains to be seen. I love Italian football, both in Serie A and the Azzurri, who did everything to win the European Championship.

While a move to Italy now seems likely, Ahmedhodžić remains an important part of Malmö’s load in the Champions League.

The Bosnia-Herzegovina international has made all four of the club’s Champions League qualifiers so far and is expected to play against Gers.

The latest flagship of the Malmö Youth Academy, Ahmedhodžić spent time in England with Nottingham Forest and even made his debut at the age of 17 at the City Ground.

But that seems to have been too early as the player returned to Malmö after three years before cementing himself on the Swedish side after a brief loan spell in Denmark with Hobro IK.

Malmö defender Anel Ahmedhodžić has been linked with some of Europe’s top clubs and is expected to play against Rangers. (Photo by David Lidstrom – Ostersunds FK / Ostersunds FK via Getty Images)

Now a six-cap Bosnian international, bigger and better things await the center-back, but first of all, the defender’s presence in Malmö is a timely reminder of the quality in the club’s ranks.

While Ahmedhodžić is expected to start for Malmö, here is how we predict the Gers will line up in Sweden.