Rangers and Aston Villa receive boost in Gareth McAuley chase

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Glasgow Rangers are reportedly keen on signing Gareth McAuley this summer, but the Ibrox side face competition for his signature.

According to a report from the Daily Record earlier this month, Rangers are interested in signing Gareth McAuley this summer as Steven Gerrard continues to make preparations for his first season at Ibrox.

The Gers have subsequently signed Connor Goldson and Nikola Katic, but it would perhaps be little surprise if Gerrard still wanted to add the Northern Ireland international to give the side that little bit more experience.

However, the Record added that, while Rangers are the front-runners, Aston Villa were also keen on signing McAuley, so the Light Blues seemed to have a couple of stumbling blocks standing between them and a potential deal when the initial reports emerged.

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But it appears that one of the stumbling blocks for Rangers and Villa has moved out of the way with West Brom today confirming on their official website that McAuley is one of the players that has been released by the Baggies ahead of their campaign in the Championship.

McAuley has been a fantastic servant for his now former club, so he would undoubtedly be a shrewd addition for either the Gers or the Villans if he ends up joining either this summer, even if he is not going to be playing regularly following his next move.

And the Rangers and Aston Villa hierarchy should perhaps feel that a move has potentially moved one step closer with the Baggies now confirming that McAuley has left The Hawthorns this summer.