New Rangers boss Steven Gerrard is set to take over at Ibrox on Friday.
Steven Gerrard is set to take charge on Friday at Rangers but has already reportedly suffered his first rejection in the transfer window, missing out on Fenerbahce and former Liverpool teammate Martin Skrtel.
Reports have suggested that the 33-year-old’s expensive wages with the Turkish giants have priced the Gers out of a move for the Slovakia international, with the Chronicle now reporting Newcastle have been offered the chance to sign him.
It leaves Gerrard with the need to re-enter the market and look for another centre-back this summer, with David Bates joining Hamburg and Russel Martin expected to return to Norwich City after an indifferent loan spell at Ibrox.
The Gers are left with just Bruno Alves, Fabio Cardoso and Ross McCrorie, though the latter is certainly preferred in midfield. Gerrard is said to be after Brighton defender Connor Goldson, but more is required.
Indeed, the Gers need a Skrtel-like defender that can command the back four and add a bit of aggression and bite into Gerrard’s defence. It should see the former Liverpool skipper target ex-LA Galaxy teammate Jelle van Damme.
Gerrard, 37, played alongside Van Damme, 34, during his short stint with LA during the 2015-16 campaign, before returning to home country Belgium last summer with Royal Antwerp.
The former Wolves star has been converted from a left-back into an aggressive, rock-solid centre-back and boasts speed as well as technical nous alongside his gritty defensive traits.
A 30-time Belgium international, Van Damme has a year remaining on his current contract but could be tempted to rejoin Gerrard if the former England captain considers a move.
That is something he should surely weigh up after missing out on Skrtel. Though Van Damme does not boast Skrtel’s calibre, he certainly draws similarities with the Fener defender. A strong signing, if Gerrard can lure Van Damme to Ibrox.
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