Connor Goldson’s contract situation remains a source of frustration for Rangers fans and, no doubt, Steven Gerrard, with the vice-captain’s deal set to expire at the end of this season.
If it gets to January and we are in a commanding position in the Scottish Premiership with knockout European football confirmed for a third year in a row and the league cup in the trophy cabinet, he might be forgiven for entertaining thoughts of heading elsewhere, however, if we are struggling and his own form dips below his usual standards, the Ibrox faithful won’t be long in letting him know their feelings.
One club that is said to have potentially turned his head is West Ham United, and – speaking to Football Insider – former England striker, Kevin Phillips, recons that Goldson would be a steal, if an agreement can be made:
“What a bargain he would be on a pre-contract.
“But if he is to leave Rangers in such a way I’m sure there would be plenty of clubs sniffing around him.
“There will be people in the background now talking to his representatives so if I’m West Ham I would try and get a handshake agreement sorted as soon as possible. Something along the lines of, ‘Don’t talk to anyone else. We’ll get a pre-contract over to you in January.’
“If they could pull that one off it would be a great signing for them.”
There might be a relaxed attitude behind the scenes about Goldson signing a new deal but until there is either an announcement or the player himself says he is going nowhere, we will be vulnerable to losing one of our key players without getting a transfer fee – hardly an ideal way to kick off a new player trading model.
We can only hope that he realises he will never get a better opportunity to play in the Champions League, he has to be realistic. Goldson is a good player but there won’t be any teams that usually finish top four in the big leagues that will be picking up the phone, marshaling his side to a successful title defence must be his priority if he is to get the contract and rewards that he deserves.