Norwich City are reportedly looking to release attacker Steven Naismith – which would prompt rumours of a return to Rangers.
Steven Naismith celebrates scoring for Rangers against Celtic
According to The Scottish Sun, Norwich City are considering releasing Steven Naismith from his contract – despite paying £8.5million to land him from Everton in 2016.
The Canaries are set for a huge overhaul this summer; a new manager will be on the way following the departure of Alex Neil, Huddersfield’s Stuart Webber has arrived as the new sporting director at Carrow Road, and seven players were given their marching orders on Tuesday.
John Ruddy, Ryan Bennett, Sebastien Bassong, Michael Turner, Steven Whittaker, Youssouf Mulumbu and Kyle Lafferty were all told that they wouldn’t be receiving new contracts when their deals end this summer – and the Norwich exodus may not be over just yet.
The Scottish Sun report that Norwich are considering releasing Steven Naismith from his £50,000-a-week contract and making him a free agent, despite forking out £8.5million to sign him from Everton back in January 2016.
Naismith is bound to attract interest if he does become a free agent, and Rangers are one club who will be heavily linked in that instance, given his history with the club and their need for quality additions.
Aston Villa’s Mile Jedinak in action with Norwich’s Steven Naismith
Saturday’s 5-1 home defeat to Celtic again highlighted that the chasm between the Old Firm rivals is huge, and Rangers must add real quality to their squad this summer if they are to close the gap – and Naismith fits the bill.
The 30-year-old Scotland international hit 33 goals in 140 games for Rangers following a 2007 move from Kilmarnock, but left the club in acrimonious circumstances in 2012, refusing to transfer his contract to the reborn Rangers following their liquidation, and instead joining Everton on a free transfer.
Some fans still harbour feelings of resentment towards Naismith for that particular decision, but he is the calibre of player that Rangers need right now, and former Gers striker Kris Boyd certainly agrees with that.
Steven Naismith in action for Scotland
Boyd told The Scottish Sun that Rangers need to try and lure Naismith back to Ibrox, suggesting that the player himself would be keen to return and right the wrongs of his departure – and Norwich releasing him would give them a real chance to bring in a quality player without breaking the bank.
With a proven goalscoring record, Premier League experience, history with Rangers and his potential availability, Naismith looks to be the ideal on-field signing for new manager Pedro Caixinha – but much will depend on whether Gers fans are willing to forgive and forget his departure five years ago.
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