Europa League finalists Rangers have liked Cedric Kipre since his Motherwell days and West Brom are willing to let the defender go on loan or on a permanent basis, as reported by the Express and Star.
The word ‘awkward’ comes to mind.
Back in 2018, Ryan Jack made no attempt to hide his disgust after being consigned to months on the sidelines after suffering a serious injury in the aftermath of what he described as a ‘shocking’ tackle from a man who could soon be joining him at Ibrox.
That unfortunate flashpoint was one of the few negative flashpoints of Kipre’s otherwise excellent Motherwell career however.
The France-born Ivorian established himself as one of the most impressive defenders anywhere in Scotland during the 2017/18 campaign at Fir Hill. And, after falling out of favour south of the border, Kipre could soon be on his way back to the league where he made his name.
Will Rangers sign Cedric Kipre from West Brom?
According to the Express and Star, backed up by the Birmingham Mail, the 6ft 4ins man-mountain will be allowed to leave the Hawthorns either on loan or permanently.
West Brom are hoping to reduce their wage bill. And Kipre, who played just once since Steve Bruce took over from Valerien Ismael in February, is one of the prime candidates to make way, especially with the Baggies looking to bring in Blackburn skipper Darragh Lenihan.
The Express and Star add that Rangers have kept a close eye on Kipre ever since he departed Motherwell four years ago.
The Paris-born stopper would certainly have a point to prove if he returns to Scotland, and he’ll arrive under plenty of pressure if tasked with succeeding long-serving Connor Goldson at the heart of Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s backline.
Goldson, who was in tears following Rangers’ Europa League final defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt in Seville, could make his final appearance for the Glasgow giants in the Scottish Cup decider this weekend.
Danilho Doekhi, the Dutch U21 ace lined up as Goldson’s successor, completed a move to Union Berlin earlier this week.
“You could see at 18 that Cedric had everything,” Tommy Wright, Kipre’s former Corby Town boss, told The Athletic.
“He was probably the most ripped player I have ever seen at 18. He had muscles bulging out of him that I didn’t know existed! But he could also play. He was so elegant on the ball — almost like a Rolls-Royce.
“He’s like an assassin; really quiet but with a presence about him.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
