Derby are in the same position we were in between 2012 and 2015, clubs knowing that you need the money and circle to cherry pick your best players.
In the case of Tom Lawrence – valued at £4.5million – the Rams skipper won’t even bring them in a fee seeing as he is out of contract in the summer, the only way they will get one is if he leaves in January, given his importance to the club and their fight for what would be a truly incredible survival, I just can’t see that happening.
With 23 caps for Wales, Lawrence is an experienced player with proven ability in the Championship where he averages nearly a goal or assist every three games playing predominantly as either an attacking midfielder or a left winger, his eight goals and three assists in 25 games this season a perfect example of his regular output.
There were high hopes when he came through the ranks at Manchester United but he hasn’t quite hit the heights that were expected of him, however, Newcastle United, Wolves and Fulham are all said to be preparing a bid for the 28-year old which could take him back in to the Premier League.
Lawrence would be a good signing for Rangers, an instant upgrade on the departing Brandon Barker and on Scott Wright, it would also give us another option in the number ten role should Joe Aribo be missing or needed in midfield.
Rangers should always be on the look out for quality players who are available without a transfer fee, a lot of money can be saved over the duration of a contract if they arrive without an upfront payment, allowing us to spend it somewhere else, it’s a horrible position that Derby find themselves in but, as we know only too well, there is little sentiment in football when it comes to getting a potential bargain.