Rangers need attacking reinforcements at Ibrox this summer.
The Nottingham Post claim Jamie Ward could be set to leave Forest on a permanent basis this summer after struggling to prove his worth on loan at promotion-chasing Cardiff City, and his natural talent is something Rangers must consider.
The 31-year-old was loaned to Neil Warnock’s side by Forest last summer until the end of the season, but the 33-time Northern Ireland international has managed just 10 Championship appearances – clocking up 132 minutes for Cardiff.
Unable to break into Warnock’s side and unlikely to regain his place at Forest this summer when he returns for pre-season training, the report claims Forest could look to offload him on a permanent basis.
With only a year remaining on his current deal, he could be allowed to leave on the cheap in order to avoid Forest losing him for nothing a season later.
That would suit Rangers with it being well-documented that the club are struggling in the finances department, especially after shelling out huge wages last summer on flops Bruno Alves, Carlos Pena and Eduardo Herrera.
Ward boasts huge Championship experience, turning out for the likes of Forest, Cardiff, Derby, Sheffield United and Burton and clocking up 283 appearances in which he has scored 50 goals and turned provider a further 42 times.
Having a hand in a goal once every three games, whether that be scoring or setting up a teammate, is an excellent ratio considering how many games he has played. Adding that kind of threat into Rangers side would see the Gers close the gap between themselves and Celtic.
Able to play anywhere in the final third but most natural from out wide, Ward would be the perfect summer signing as the Gers boast little other options on the flanks other than Daniel Candeias and Jamie Murphy.
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