The Daily Record has created a list of potential transfer targets, identifying where Rangers need to strengthen if they are to have any chance of catching Old Firm rivals Celtic.
Bizarrely, the article opens with the claim that the postponement of fixtures due to the coronavirus came at a good time for Rangers and that:
“It could even be argued that had the league continued and Rangers fell even further behind Celtic, then the Liverpool legend could be out of a job.”
It goes on to detail what it believes is Rangers strongest department – midfield – although the Ibrox side’s “lack of spark” and creativity was a major reason in them falling behind Celtic in 2020.
“Midfield is probably Rangers strongest position and although Steven Davis is getting on in years, the likes of Joe Aribo, Glen Kamara, Ryan Jack and Scott Arfield are still more than capable.”
The first player recommended is a goalkeeper, Freddie Woodburn of Newcastle United, straight away this can be ruled out on the basis that Dave King is unlikely to want to deal with Mike Ashley in any capacity at all.
The Record is right in that Rangers may need a back-up to Allan McGregor with Wes Foderingham likely to leave, but there is no mention of the natural heir to the throne, Robby McCrorie, who was performing well at Livingston in the top flight prior to the break in play.
The second area is centre-half, but despite their recent struggles, the Gers still have the best defence in the league (shared with Celtic at 19 goals conceded) and that has been with Filip Helander missing since early December who is their most experienced – and arguably best – defender.
Connor Goldson is one of the first names on the team sheet as Vice Captain and in George Edmundson and Nikola Katic, they have two raw, but potentially solid, centre-halves. It is unlikely to be a position that money will be spent unless one of the previously mentioned players leave.
The article then recommends a player who plays in the same position as Ryan Kent, with an expected outlay of £5million (Viktor Fischer) and despite saying that a defensive midfielder isn’t needed, suggests spending £3m on one that has had knee injury issues – Nikola Moro.
Finally, a striker is needed to replace Alfredo Morelos – if he goes – because “an out-and-out centre forward is needed” and in Mohamed Buya Turay, they have identified a player that they feel fits the bill.
Turay, isn’t an out-and-out centre forward, though, as they go on to explain themselves he has played at left wing-back and out wide. They are right in that Rangers would need a dedicated, first-choice central striker but Turay isn’t it.
Gerrard will need to strengthen but the obvious weakness since January has been lack of goals, Joe Aribo and Scott Arfield have chipped in, as has Kent, but another striker and goalscoring winger/forward is the missing link for Rangers to close the gap.
Thankfully, I don’t read the Daily Record.