Rangers have completed the signing of Croatian defender Nikola Katic.
Former Rangers midfielder Alex Rae has told the Daily Express that Steven Gerrard should make the surprise decision to keep vetaran defender Bruno Alves this summer – despite the signing of Nikola Katic.
Rangers confirmed they had landed Croatian 21-year-old Katic on a four-year deal from Slaven Belupo, easing their lack of options at centre-back. Beforehand, Gerrard only had Alves, Fabio Cardoso and Ross McCrorie.
The Express claims the Gers are also closing in on a £3million move to sign Connor Goldson from Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion, solving Gerrard’s lack of depth at the heart of his defence.
However, doubts remain over the future of high earner Alves, who struggled to impress in his first season at Ibrox and some fans have called for him to be removed from the wage bill. But Rae believes he is key, on and off the pitch.
“You need that wee bit of experience and 25 is a very good age to have a good understanding of what you need to do,” Rae said.
“At 21, you are still relatively wet behind the ears but he will have attributes that can be honed and Rangers will be looking for Katic to kick on in his development.
“It’s good he’ll have Goldson beside him. Bruno Alves may still be there and with his experience, coming back from a World Cup, he’ll be able to help them.”
Alves, 36, played 25 times in all competitions for Rangers last season, scoring two goals and helping the Light Blues keep seven clean sheets. But he was often criticised and was left on the sidelines by Graeme Murty for much of the campaign.
The former Porto defender is set to represent Portugal at this summer’s World Cup in Russia, after helping his country win Euro 2016 two years ago. He has a contract at Ibrox until the end of next season.
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