Rangers are reportedly looking to bring Bruno Alves to Ibrox this summer.
Cagliari’s Bruno Alves in action against Roma
Former Celtic ace Pierre van Hooijdonk has told the Daily Mail that he thinks Bruno Alves is the kind of player Rangers should be signing – as long as he is fit.
Alves, 35, helped Portugal wince Euro 2016 last summer, and moved on to Italian side Cagliari, where he has featured 36 times this season.
Bruno Alves celebrates
Now, the veteran centre back is reportedly being targeted by Rangers, with The Scottish Sun reporting that he has agreed a move to Ibrox, but the Gers need to finalise a deal with Cagliari.
Manager Pedro Caixinha needs defensive reinforcements this summer given that experienced duo Clint Hill and Philippe Senderos will both be leaving the club when their contracts expire, whilst Rob Kiernan is also expected to leave and Danny Wilson is injured.
Portugal’s Bruno Alves in action with Wales’ Hal Robson-Kanu
Caixinha has seemingly identified Portuguese compatriot Alves as the man he wants to bring in to aid his defence, though some have concerns about the centre back’s age.
Alves, formerly of Porto, Zenit St Petersburg and Fenerbahce, turns 36 in November, and after the struggles of fellow veteran Philippe Senderos this season, supporters understandably have some concern over bringing in another ageing centre back.
Now, former Celtic striker Pierre van Hooijdonk has offered his thoughts on the matter, as Alves played for his former club Fenerbahce – and the Dutchman told the Daily Mail that he thinks Alves will be a good signing if fit.
Pierre van Hooijdonk celebrates
Van Hooijdonk pointed to Feyenoord’s signing of Dirk Kuyt as an example of what experienced players can do, but they must be fit enough to play, rather than have one last move for the money.
“If Bruno is still the player in my mind then that’s the kind of player they should be signing,” said Van Hooijdonk. “They are going to sign some older ones and there is nothing wrong with that, because Feyenoord signed Dirk Kuyt two years ago. The main thing is they need to be fit. If they are fit they can do a job for you or any club. But if it becomes like a last move or a pension then you have trouble,” he added.
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