Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has refuted reports this weekend that the club were set to launch a bid to sign former Dundee United player Ryan Gauld this week.
Portuguese outlet Record claimed that the Gers were interested in a loan-to-buy deal for the 22-year-old, as a direct replacement for injured winger Jamie Murphy who has been ruled out for the entirety of the 2018/19 season.
However, speaking after today’s clash with Motherwell, Gerrard shot down the speculation.
Asked by The Daily Record whether there was any truth in the rumours, the Ibrox boss said: “Nothing. I’ve been asked about Nathan Dyer and there’s nothing in that either. Hopefully we can get a centre-back in. I’m not sure if it’s loan or permanent – could be either.”
Signing for Sporting in 2014, Gauld has struggled to make a first team impact at the club but spent last season at top-flight side Aves on loan, winning the Portuguese Cup in the process.
That experience has hopefully given him the confidence to go on and impress further, with a return to Scotland perhaps not being the worst idea in the world at this stage.
It looks like that won’t be at Rangers though, with Gerrard clearly keeping his eyes focused on strengthening the defence first and foremost.
Would you have liked to sign Ryan Gauld? Share your thoughts in the comments below…