The Scotland international may be as solid as ever – but who is pulling the transfer strings at Rangers?
Firstly, the logistics of this story need to be cleared up. Edinburgh News reports that Rangers are set to battle Hearts for the signature of Scotland international centre-back Christophe Berra – despite the fact that the Ibrox club are at a rather significant disadvantage of possessing neither a manager nor a Director of Football.
That is the first question on the lips of Rangers fans; who is sanctioning this apparent move?
The publication adds that the Glasgow giants are capable of offering more money for the 32-year-old who has an option to extend his contract at Ipswich Town but has his heart set on a return to Scotland.
But are Rangers really in a position to identify transfer targets without a permanent manager in place?
The second question, however, is whether Berra really represents a sufficient upgrade to a defence that has picked up an unhelpful penchant for capitulation. And, in truth, the answer is probably yes.
The 34-time international has been a virtual ever-present under Mick McCarthy this season and, for the most part, continues to perform with typical solidity at the back.
Rangers, meanwhile, are currently lumbered with the error-prone Rob Kiernan and the committed yet 38-year-old Clint Hill – a man who makes Berra look like an up-and-coming starlet.
Nonetheless, Rangers fans remain unconvinced by a deal that raises more than a few queries.
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