Rangers could have a “real player” on their hands if they followed up the speculation that linked them to a move for Liverpool right-back, Nathaniel Clyne, earlier in the season.
This is according to Noel Whelan who was speaking to Football Insider about the potential move.
So what has Whelan said?
When asked if it would be a good move for the England cap to make, he said:
“You have got to look at what he was before he left Southampton. He was a wanted man but he has not nestled down at Liverpool.
“It has been very stop-start. Even when he has been out on loan injuries have hindered him.
“He will need the right club. If you can keep him fit you have a real player on your hands. He is a modern-day full-back, box-to-box and can get forward. He can do everything required.
“Rangers could be where he may get an opportunity to reignite his career. He is not past his sell-by-date by a long stretch.”
So is Whelan correct?
Absolutely, Rangers have had an issue when either James Tavernier or Borna Barisic have been unavailable, they don’t have full-backs capable of playing the style necessary to fit in with Steven Gerrard’s plans.
Clyne would slot in perfectly at right-back, however, he would face stiff opposition for a regular starting slot with skipper, Tavernier being undisputed first choice since his arrival in 2015.
The 29-year-old may be seen as a like-for-like replacement – and if anything an upgrade – should Gerrard decide to cash in on Tavernier, in a economic climate where money is tight, upgrading your first XI whilst pocketing several million would represent a good move – with the players at a similar age, it wouldn’t affect the profile of his side either.
The biggest risk would be keeping Clyne fit, in comparison, Tavernier is a robot, a machine, only missing games this season because he required appendix surgery, with Jon Flanagan already confirmed as leaving the club and Matt Polster not fancied, Nathan Patterson would be placed under a lot of pressure should he have to play a consistent run of games.
As long as Gerrard is Rangers manager, they will continue to be linked with Liverpool cast-offs and youth players, although on this occasion, it might be a punt worth taking and one that few fans could question the logic of.