Glasgow Rangers arguably need to strengthen their defensive options after a difficult year at Ibrox for the Gers.
There is arguably no position in the Rangers squad that needs improving this summer as much as at centre-back with the Gers looking incredibly vulnerable in that area of the pitch.
Ross McCrorie and David Bates have arguably been the Gers’ best performing centre-backs this term, but the latter is Hamburg-bound at the end of the season and McCrorie appears to be even better in a holding midfield role.
Russell Martin is only on loan and has looked poor over the last few weeks, while Bruno Alves and Fabio Cardoso have not exactly boosted the Ibrox faithful’s opinion of the transfer dealings that Pedro Caixinha oversaw during his brief time in charge.
Strengthening at the heart of the defence has to be the priority during the coming months, and that should tempt Rangers to take note of Derby County’s reported interest in Hearts defender John Souttar.
The Scottish Sun reports that the Rams are plotting a bid of at least £1 million to sign the 21-year-old who has been hugely impressive alongside Christophe Berra this term, including at Ibrox last weekend.
Souttar’s form should tempt Hearts to demand a lot more than a low seven-figure amount before they sell this summer, but Rangers should certainly consider matching Derby’s offer in the hope that they stand a chance of winning the race for his signature.
The youngster would undoubtedly improve the options that the Gers have at the back and may not cost an obscene amount during the coming window if Derby’s initial bid is not far off Hearts’ valuation.
Rangers are surely going to need at least two new centre-backs this summer – three if they decide to allow McCrorie to push further forward into what appears to be his best position – and the chance to sign a player with Souttar’s potential must not be an opportunity that they pass up.
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