Rangers have been linked with bringing Gareth McAuley to Ibrox.
Rangers are still in the market for new signings this summer, but signing another centre back may not be a priority for new manager Steven Gerrard.
The Gers have backed Gerrard with new signings this summer, as Allan McGregor, Jon Flanagan, Nikola Katic, Connor Goldson, Scott Arfield and Ovie Ejaria have all arrived at Ibrox.
Rangers clearly focused on their back line early, with goalkeeper McGregor coming in to steady the ship at the back, with Flanagan signed to provide cover at full back, and Goldson and Katic seemingly snapped up as a new centre back pairing.
Gerrard has now discussed his transfer approach with the Daily Mail, admitting that defensive additions were his priority – but he now feels Rangers are pretty much ready at the back.
“The priority initially was in the defensive areas,” said Gerrard. “We needed bodies in the centre of defence and needed to give support in the full-back areas ‘We are close to being there defensively,” he added.
Gerrard now has Goldson, Katic, Bruno Alves, Fabio Cardoso and Ross McCrorie as his options at centre back, and his comments may just rule out a move for Gareth McAuley.
The Daily Record recently reported that Rangers had made contact with 38-year-old centre back Gareth McAuley about a potential move, and he was released by West Brom last week.
However, the Northern Ireland international now doesn’t appear likely to be heading to Ibrox after Gerrard’s comments, as signing another centre back seemingly isn’t on Gerrard’s agenda.
Adding a veteran like McAuley would always be a risk, and only if fellow veteran Alves leaves should Rangers make a move for him, with their existing options seemingly good enough for Gerrard now.
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