Rangers have been linked with USA international James Sands ahead of the January transfer window opening in just a couple of days time.
The original report comes from Italian outlet TuttoMercato and backed up by Ekrem Konur who claims that the deal is a Ross Wilson special – an initial loan transfer with an agreement in place to make it a permanent move.
The 21-year old currently plays for MLS side New York City where Claudio Reyna played a key role in his development – you can see where this link comes from now eh?
It’s an interesting story because Sands has a long term contract and is valued at over £3million, he is capable of playing either at centre-half or in midfield but for that sort of price you’d be expecting him to start which, when you look at our squad, seems unlikely.
I can’t see us replacing Connor Goldson if he goes with someone like Sands, maybe to play alongside him but where does that leave Filip Helander, Leon Balogun and Calvin Bassey who should all still be at the club next season.
If it is to replace Balogun then it might make sense because it would then allow Bassey to revert to his preferred left-back role, however, his performances in the middle under Giovanni van Bronckhorst suggest that his long term future isn’t as a marauding full-back.
Sands is a talented player with experience in a decent league and at international level, my only question would be, are there better options available closer to home and for less?