Norwich City’s Steven Naismith could be on the move this summer.
Steven Naismith celebrates scoring for Rangers
According to the Daily Mail, Aberdeen are interested in signing Norwich City’s Steven Naismith – and rivals Rangers should be keeping a close eye on the situation.
The Dons managed to keep hold of manager Derek McInnes earlier this month, as he chose to stay at Pittodrie despite an offer to join Sunderland in the Championship.
Norwich City’s Steven Naismith (R) celebrates scoring with Jonny Howson
McInnes is now expected to be backed with considerable funds to challenge Celtic and fend off Rangers, with the Daily Mail claiming that McInnes is keen on a move for Norwich City’s Steven Naismith.
A big-money signing from Everton in January 2016, Naismith hasn’t quite lived up to expectations at Carrow Road, as he notched just five goals and three assists in 29 Championship games last season.
Norwich’s Steven Naismith in action with Brighton’s Tomer Hemed
With a new regime in place at Carrow Road, the Scotland international could return north of the border, but his former club Rangers should be considering a move to rival Aberdeen for his signature.
Naismith hit 33 goals in 140 games for the Gers during a five-year spell at Ibrox, before acrimoniously leaving the club upon their liquidation in 2012, joining Everton on a free transfer.
Rangers fans may find it a little difficult to forgive Naismith for that, but if manager Pedro Caixinha can’t land his top target – Hearts winger Jamie Walker – then he should at least consider a move to bring Naismith back to Ibrox.
Aston Villa’s Mile Jedinak in action with Norwich’s Steven Naismith
The 30-year-old featured on the left wing regularly for Rangers and then Everton, cutting inside to score goals and create chances, and whilst he has played more centrally for Norwich, he could still play that wider role under Caixinha.
Many have wondered whether Rangers could afford to bring Naismith back to Ibrox, but if Aberdeen are plotting to push the boat out to sign him, then Rangers – who must finish above the Dons next season – must at least look into the possibility of handing him a return to Glasgow, providing Caixinha with greater quality in the final third and a player who understands what it takes to play for the Gers.
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