Glasgow Rangers were snubbed by Kean Bryan but are reportedly set to sign Bournemouth’s Jack Simpson instead now anyway.
It seems that Rangers are finally set to sign the left-sided centre-back they have been looking for over the last few weeks.
A deal to sign Manchester City youngster Kean Bryan fell through last week, with the 21-year-old opting instead to join Sheffield United. And this could be seen as a missed opportunity for Rangers given Bryan’s class, his composure in possession and his ability to also play at the base of midfield.
It must be pointed out, however, that Bryan’s only taste of senior football had come during loan spells at Bury and Oldham in England’s third tier. Which is why Rangers fans should be positive that Jack Simpson could prove to be a better addition.
According to the Scottish Sun, the Glasgow giants have agreed to sign the left-footed 20-year-old on a season-long loan from Bournemouth. And, unlike Bryan, Simpson at least has some experience of playing at a relatively high level.
Simpson was trusted by Eddie Howe to feature in four first-team games last season, including against Chelsea and Manchester City. He even scored on his debut against Middlesbrough in the EFL Cup after being fast tracked into the Bournemouth senior side.
That is how highly Howe rates him.
“Everyone should be very proud of his progress and the player he has turned into,” Howe told the Daily Echo last year. “It is incredibly difficult to get a player through at this level.
“Jack still has to prove he can compete at this standard but I would say, at the moment, he has the attributes to do it.”
Simpson was facing off against Premier League opponents while Bryan was in League One last season. And the former has the chance to make Rangers fans forget all about the latter.
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