Rangers, despite the transformation of John Lundstram and, almost, complete rehabilitation of Ryan Jack are set to add to their midfield contingent when the January transfer window, according to an exclusive report.
Football League World claims that the Light Blues are at the front of the queue to sign Blackburn Rovers Joe Rothwell and that a pre-contract agreement is “almost certain”.
Rangers have an advantage over English clubs in that we can discuss terms with the 26-year old who had also been attracting interest from Bournemouth and Norwich City.
The deal for Rothwell – a player that his manager Tony Mowbray says puts “fear into the eyes of centre-halves” – looks as though it is another example of Ross Wilson planning for the future with both Scott Arfield and Steven Davis out of contract at the end of the season, they may yet have a role to play but neither can or will be expected to play 40-50 games.
It is also a sign that Steven Gerrard is unwilling to gamble on the fitness of Jack, choosing to recruit from a position of strength rather than waiting until it is too late, transfers are all about timing and if we can get a player valued at £1.6million on a free transfer now, it saves money further down the line – Lundstram proving how well the system can work in our favour.
A permanent deal in January is unlikely given the numbers that we have in midfield, there is no immediate rush unless circumstances change, however, with four assists in his 12 games for Blackburn this season, it’s easy to see why the gaffer might be tempted.