Wes Brown is to be released by Sunderland this summer.
Everton’s Romelu Lukaku in action with Sunderland’s Wes Brown
According to the BBC, Sunderland will release Wes Brown following the expiration of his contract along with three other players including Scotland international Steven Fletcher.
Rangers are seemingly on the lookout for a new experienced centre-back this summer, with boss Mark Warburton looking to add more steel to the side after the signing of Joey Barton.
Recent reports in the Evening Times suggest Steven Taylor is a target following his release by Newcastle United, yet he is said to prefer to continue in England with a fellow Championship club.
Newcastle’s Steven Taylor celebrates
Moreover, his reported £22,000 per week wages (Evening Times) at Newcastle could cause a problem for Rangers, especially as he is still only 30 and presumably keen on a long-term deal at his next club.
A cheaper option for Rangers could come in the form of Wes Brown, and it wouldn’t be a bad option to take.
The 36-year-old will probably wish to have one last short-term deal before hanging up his boots, and what better final season could be on offer than helping Rangers on their return to the Scottish Premiership.
Brown still has plenty of ability and started six Premier League matches for the Black Cats this past season, with two of those resulting in key victories over Aston Villa and Swansea City.
Aston Villa’s Leandro Bacuna shoots past the challenge of Sunderland’s Wes Brown
The former Manchester United man would most likely be a cheaper option than Taylor, yet he could arguably offer Rangers more in terms of experience and ability during next season’s campaign.
The Ibrox club are short of experience at the back with first-team centre-back duo Danny Wilson and Rob Kiernan both in their mid-twenties, while Brown has played at the very top level.
Mark Warburton’s young squad will need the likes of Kenny Miller and Barton to provide that know-how next season, and the Gers could be aided further with the addition of a player such as Brown.
Rangers manager Mark Warburton celebrates winning the Scottish Championship with the trophy
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