Rangers are reportedly keen on Ipswich Town’s Christophe Berra.
Ipswich’s Christophe Berra in action with Leeds’ Chris Wood
Rangers will be looking to bring in new signings under recently-appointed boss Pedro Caixinha this summer, with a defender no doubt on his wish list.
Rob Kiernan and Danny Wilson have endured hot and cold seasons, whilst in-form Clint Hill and flop Philippe Senderos are both out of contract at the end of the season.
Whilst Rangers would no doubt love to bring in young players with re-sale value, a more experience centre back may be needed if Hill, Senderos or both depart.
Recently, The Edinburgh News reported that Hearts and Rangers were set to go head-to-head in a race to sign Ipswich Town defender Christophe Berra this summer, offering him a return to Scotland.
The 32-year-old has been a mainstay of the Scotland squad in recent years, racking up 34 caps for his country whilst also playing more than 100 games for the three clubs he has represented – Hearts, Wolves and Ipswich.
Berra, who has played more than 30 games in each of the last 11 seasons, has proven himself as a dependable centre back and also a leader, having been Hearts’ captain before a January 2009 move to Wolves.
Lee Wallace (R) in action for Scotland
Caixinha will certainly be looking for those attributes in any defender he signs this summer, and Berra has the added advantage of having played alongside Rangers defender Lee Wallace at Hearts.
The duo came up together through the youth ranks at Tynecastle and were regulars in the Hearts defence. A strong understanding is key to any solid defensive unit, and Wallace and Berra – currently international team-mates – certainly bring that.
Fending off former clubs Hearts could be difficult, but Berra is a smart target for Rangers given his experience, leadership and relationship with Wallace, but it may be a case of Berra or Clint Hill, rather than both.
Would you like to see Rangers sign Berra?
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