Motherwell defender Ben Heneghan is on the radar of Reading and Cardiff City but Rangers may need him most.
Bruno Alves’ best years may be behind him but, even at the age of 35, the veteran Portuguese would surely represent a major upgrade at the heart of the Rangers backline.
And the Daily Record reports that the 89-capped, Euro 2016 champion is flattered to be courting interest from one of Europe’s most historic clubs.
“If [Rangers manager and compatriot Pedro] Caixinha is interested in me its good news because every Portuguese coach knows about my work,” Alves, who currently plies his football in Serie A with Cagliari, stated.
“I have never played in the UK before but it seems like an incredible atmosphere to play your football.”
However, that does not mean supporters can be expecting Rob Kiernan and co to be replaced by the grizzled, no-nonsense assassin this summer. La Nuova claims that Alves is keen to wind down his long playing career in the colourful surrounds of Sardinia.
Furthermore, the Daily Record adds that Argentine defender Carlos Izquierdoz, who Caixinha worked with at previous club Santos Laguna, would prefer to stay in Mexico having only recently signed a new deal to avoid uprooting his family.
Sensible option?
Therefore, perhaps Rangers should be encouraged to instead ramp up their interest in Motherwell youngster Ben Heneghan. The Daily Record claims that the Ibrox giants are vying for the 23-year-old’s signature along with Championship duo Cardiff City and Reading.
Heneghan only arrived from non-league Chester City last summer but, with Rangers’ other deals hitting the buffers, they must act fast to avoid missing out on another talented centre-back.
Ben Heneghan in action for Chester
Furthermore, while Izquierdoz and the ageing Alves are completely unproven in British football, and carry next to no resale value, Heneghan is young, promising and has a year’s experience in Scotland under his belt.
He may not have won an international tournament but Heneghan would surely be right at home at Ibrox.
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