Rangers have been encouraged to return to the SPFL transfer market to sign a winger in decent form despite having their fingers burnt with recent acquisitions Jordan Jones, Brandon Barker and Jake Hastie.
Writing in his Daily Mail column (via The Scottish Sun), Kris Commons believe that Martin Boyle would offer a bargain basement option given his current contract status at Hibernian.
So what has Commons said?
The former Sky Sports pundit said of the Hibs forward’s current form after two goals on the opening day against Kilmarnock:
“Having played with Martin Boyle for a few months during my time at Hibs, I can vouch first-hand about just what a talented boy he really is.
“I promise you, he’s absolutely greased lightning when he’s in full flow. In terms of raw pace, he’s undoubtedly one of the quickest players in the country.
“But he’s also added a bit more subtlety and end product to his game over the past couple of years. He’s a much more complete player nowadays.
“I know for a fact that Neil Lennon rates him highly and thoroughly enjoyed working with him during their time together at Easter Road.
“I also don’t see why the likes of Rangers shouldn’t at least have a look at him and explore the possibility of making an offer.
“With just a year left on his contract, Boyle wouldn’t cost an arm and a leg. Especially not with the financial problems Hibs are facing.
“He could be available at a knockdown price. I reckon a bid of around £250k would be enough to at least ask the question of Hibs.”
So is Commons correct?
If Rangers didn’t already have the previously mentioned players on their roster and the sizeable talents of Ianis Hagi, Ryan Kent and Joe Aribo in the starting line-up, he may have been worth a punt, however, if Steven Gerrard wants to close the gap at the top of the table, he has to sign players that will improve his first XI – a fact he is well aware of.
Should Rangers go for Martin Boyle?
Yes
No
Boyle hasn’t had his injury troubles to seek either which won’t have gone unnoticed by “bigger” clubs and regardless of his contract situation, Hibs would be unlikely to want to sell one of their key players on the cheap.
Rangers have been linked with the likes of Kemar Roofe, Josh Maja and Mirko Maric, all players that could make an immediate impression on Gerrard’s match day squad and challenge those that are in possession of starting jerseys, something that Boyle just isn’t capable of doing.