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Report: Steven Naismith wants shock Rangers return this summer, but must take pay cut

Naismith Rangers (Reuters)
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Ex-Rangers striker Steven Naismith is reportedly keen on a return to Ibrox this summer.

Naismith RangersSteven Naismith celebrates scoring for Rangers

According to The Express, Norwich City attacker Steven Naismith is keen on a return to Rangers this summer should he be allowed to leave Carrow Road.

Naismith, 30, joined Norwich from Everton back in January 2016, and after he was unable to fire the Canaries to Premier League survival, he has been in and out of the side in the Championship this term.

The Scotland international – who has seven goals in 45 assists for his country – has started 20 Championship games, notching five goals and three assists, with his future now in some doubt.

Norwich are set for a complete overhaul this summer following the arrival of new sporting director Stuart Webber, with a new manager the priority after seven first-team players were told their contracts won’t be renewed this summer.

Aston Villa's Mile Jedinak in action with Norwich's Steven NaismithAston Villa’s Mile Jedinak in action with Norwich’s Steven Naismith

The Scottish Sun claimed that Naismith could be released from his £50,000-a-week contract, with Norwich simply looking to get the attacker off their books – and The Express now claim that Naismith wants a move back to former club Rangers.

Naismith not only started his carer in the youth ranks at Ibrox but then joined the club from Kilmarnock in 2007, and went on to score 33 goals in 140 games for Rangers before leaving in acrimonious cirumstances.

Naismith chose to walk away from his contract with Rangers back in 2012 following their liquidation, rather than help the club get back up from the fourth tier, joining Everton on a free transfer instead.

Norwich's Steven Naismith in action with Birmingham's Jonathan GroundsNorwich’s Steven Naismith in action with Birmingham’s Jonathan Grounds

Some fans haven’t forgiven Naismith for that, but the man himself allegedly wants a return to Ibrox if Norwich do decide to let him go this summer, though he will have to take a considerable wage cut.

Naismith may want to right the wrongs from his exit, and his desire to join Pedro Caixinha’s side is a strong commitment, but we’ll see just how much Naismith really wants to play for the club again when faced with a decrease in wages.

Would you like to see Rangers re-sign Naismith?