Five experienced defenders Rangers should consider after opting against Onyewu

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It’s back to the drawing board for Rangers boss Mark Warburton, as he looks to add a centre-back at Ibrox.

Onyewu (left) isn’t coming to Rangers it seems

Rangers’ apparent decision to turn down the chance to sign Oguchi Onyewu (Daily Record) has moved their defender hunt back to square one.

Former Crystal Palace stopper Adrian Mariappa was previously linked, however that particular trail appears to have run cold.

With only Rob Kiernan, Danny Wilson and Clint Hill to call upon as things stand, Mark Warburton could do with at least one more body at the back.

Here’s five experienced heads who could fill the void:

5) Madjid Bougherra

A fan favourite during his three years at Ibrox and admitted he’d be up for a return as recently as April (Daily Record). Warbs’ assistant David Weir, the 33-year-old’s former defensive partner, has kept in touch and could try to coax him back now he’s a free agent.

4) Roger Johnson

Another former Sheffield Wednesday and Charlton defender (like Bougherra and Onyewu), Johnson dropped into League One with the Addicks last season and could be allowed to leave despite having a year to run on his deal. Also 33, the Londoner’s career transfer fees total around £10 million.

3) Gordon Greer

Much like Colonel Sanders, Greer has saved the best of his career ’til last. Newly released by Brighton & Hove Albion, the 36-year-old was a regular last season, which culminated in his third top six Championship finish in four years, and earned the first of his 11 Scotland caps as recently as 2013.

2) Michael Turner

Wednesday? Check. Charlton? Check. Why, welcome aboard this list Mr. Turner. Though the 32-year-old recently had his Norwich contract extended following a spell on loan to the former, first team chances do not appear particularly forthcoming. His Premier League wages could be an issue, however.

1) Anton Ferdinand

A relative youngster at 31, the third most famous member of the Ferdinand family finds himself out of work following a spell at Reading. The former West Ham and Sunderland man is well-known to three of Rangers’ summer recruits (Joey Barton, Niko Kranjcar and Clint Hill) having played with them at QPR.