Rangers are battling Middlesbrough, Sheffield United and Nottingham Forest to sign Cameron Humphreys as a host of central defenders close in on moves away from Ibrox, as reported by TEAMtalk.
Saturday’s 2-0 Scottish Cup final triumph over Hearts certainly felt like the ‘Last Dance’ for quite a few members of Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side.
Steven Davis and Allan McGregor are out of contract, while three of Rangers’ top-four central defenders could all be penning emotional farewells over the coming weeks.
Connor Goldson and Leon Balogun will become free-agents on July 1st.
And, according to The Times, 22-year-old Bassey is closing in on a £25 million move that will see him reunite with Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa, while replacing Nathan Patterson as the most expensive export in the club’s history.
It almost goes without saying, then, that defensive reinforcements are a must.
Rangers want Cameron Humphreys as Aston Villa target Calvin Bassey
Rangers have already landed Hearts’ John Souttar – a readymade successor for the similarly colossal Goldson – with 23-year-old Humphreys another target.
A former Manchester City and England U19 starlet, Humphreys currently plies his trade in Belgium for Zulte-Waregam. He, like Goldson and Balogun, is entering the final few weeks of his contract and looks certain to be on the move.
A number of Championship clubs are keen, including Sheffield United, Stoke and Boro. As are Premier League newcomers Bournemouth and play-off finalists Nottingham Forest (Daily Mail).
Rangers can offer European football, however, while their excellent track record when it comes to helping talented youngsters realise their potential – see Bassey, Joe Aribo and Ryan Kent – should stand the Glasgow giants in good stead.
Humphreys shot to fame when starring for Man City against Real Madrid at the age of just 16 in pre-season.
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“I actually did a Cruyff turn on (Cristiano) Ronaldo, I took the ball off Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale gave me his shirt after the game,” says the self-confident centre-back. “It was a good experience.”
Humphreys is more comfortable on his right-foot than his left. This suggests he would not replace Bassey, but Goldson instead.
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