Carlos Izquierdoz’s admission suggests Rangers move may be destined to fail

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Rangers manager Pedro Caixinha is reportedly targeting a reunion with his Santos Laguna captain Carlos Izquierdoz.

Though it appears that Rangers manager Pedro Caixinha aims to instil a distinctly Scottish spine at Ibrox, it is no surprise that the Portuguese is enticed by the prospect of bringing some of his trusted lieutenants to Glasgow.

The Scottish Sun reports that Caixinha is set to return to former club Santos Laguna and target a reunion with defensive duo Jose Abella and Carlos Izquierdoz.

There is little doubt that defenders should be high on the club’s list of priorities with Rangers’ tendency to capitulate under pressure resulting in a number of embarrassing results this season, including two 5-1 hammerings against Celtic.

Abella, a Mexican youth international and one of South America’s most exciting young right-backs, appears an intriguing addition but Izquierdoz could be exactly what Rangers need.

Caixinha’s captain at Santos Laguna, the 28-year-old is a typically no-nonsense Argentine centre-back. And with doubts surrounding the futures of Clint Hill and Rob Kiernan, Izquierdoz could add much-needed leadership and combativeness to a soft-centred backline.

However, although the Scottish Sun claims that Caixinha is confident of luring the 6ft 1ins stopper to Ibrox, there’s a nagging sense that any approach could be destined to fail.

After all, it is not just that Izquierdoz signed a three-year deal just two months ago, it is the reason for him committing his future to the club that could dash Rangers’ hopes.

“I’d heard the rumours about me joining up with Pedro Caixinha in Scotland,” Izquierdoz said in quotes reported by the Daily Record. “But, for family reasons, I want to stay here.”

“I have renewed my contract. I am happy here, my family are happy here and I am grateful for the help I have received at Santos.”

Caixinha may be willing to pull out all the stops, but it seems it will take a lot to convince the contented Izquierdoz to uproot his family and move to Glasgow.