Steven Gerrard could be set to make Rangers first signing of the summer in the coming days with rumours increasing in strength that St Mirren keeper, Vaclav Hladky, is being lined up to replace the now departed Wes Foderingham as understudy to Allan McGregor.
A report in The Scottish Sun claims that the Czech youth international is close to agreeing a deal having previously expressed a desire to move to the English Championship in a bid to reach his ultimate aim of playing in the Premier League.
Rangers have long thought to be fans of the giant stopper and in November Hladky responded to rumours linking with a move from Paisley into the city when his contract expires in the coming weeks:
“Rangers are interested in me and some negotiations are under way. But playing in England is the big dream. The biggest dream is to play in the Premier League but that is a big jump.
“I know I will need to make another step first on the way. I’m not crazy enough to think I can go from St Mirren directly to the English top division. Going to the Championship would be ideal for me. That is preferable to staying in Scotland.
“This will be my last season with St Mirren. Negotiations with the club took place over the summer and autumn about a new contract. But we have agreed that my football goals are a little higher than here.”
There is an element of uncertainty surrounding the goalkeeping department at Ibrox next season with Foderingham and Jak Alnwick both leaving the club leaving McGregor and Andy Firth as the only senior keepers available, however, Robby McCrorie proved in his short spell on loan at Livingston that he could be ready for the step up.
If Rangers do sign Hladky it would suggest that McCrorie will head out again as he continues his development preparing himself for life as number one for the Light Blues as the natural successor to club legend McGregor.