Glasgow Rangers are reportedly battling Championship duo Middlesbrough and Sheffield Wednesday for the signing of Fulham midfielder Kevin McDonald.
Director of Football Mark Allen has his work cut out overhauling this Rangers team after the baffling summer of recruitment undertaken by former manager Pedro Caixinha.
But it seems he is going about things the right way at the moment. Out are going Caixinha’s overpriced imports and, in their place, Rangers are targeting players with proven Scottish football experience.
The £2 million Carlos Pena, arguably the most disappointing of Caixinha’s signings, completed his return to Mexico on Tuesday, linking up with the Portuguese tactician again at Cruz Azul.
And the Sun (9 January, page 50) suggests that he could be replaced at Ibrox by Kevin McDonald, provided Rangers beat Championship duo Middlesbrough and Sheffield Wednesday to his signature.
It is understood that Fulham are demanding £1.5 million for the consistent midfielder, who has started all but four Championship games this season and is wanted by Tony Pulis as his first signing since taking over at Middlesbrough.
But this is not the first time Rangers have been linked with McDonald either. According to The Sun, the Glasgow giants were linked in the summer but were quoted an eye-watering £7 million.
Now available for £5.5 million less, however, McDonald suddenly looks like a superb potential addition at Ibrox. The 29-year-old is a reliable performer and would offer control and composure to Rangers’ midfield with his ball-winning abilities and intelligent distribution.
And, having started his career with Dundee, the former Scotland under-21 ace knows what it takes to succeed north of the border, which is more than can be said for Pena, who never adapted to the pace and physicality of British football.
So what an excellent replacement this would be for the club’s £2 million flop.
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