Rangers attempted to bring Jake Clarke-Salter to Ibrox last summer.
Rangers have already brought in one defender this summer by landing George Edmundson, but it’s clear that Steven Gerrard needs more.
Edmundson joins Nikola Katic and Connor Goldson in the centre back ranks at Ibrox, yet having lost both Joe Worrall and Gareth McAuley this summer, one more centre back is needed.
Ideally, the player would possess vast experience, replacing McAuley’s veteran presence, but if a quality young player becomes available, Rangers would be mad to ignore them.
One interesting name is Jake Clarke-Salter, with The Sun reporting that Leeds United are chasing a loan deal for the Chelsea centre back – even after signing youngster Ben White from Brighton and Hove Albion.
Clarke-Salter is a name that Rangers have pursued in the past, as he met with Gerrard last summer to discuss a move to Ibrox, only to be sent on loan to Vitesse Arnhem instead, as noted during an interview with The Guardian.
The 21-year-old impressed with Vitesse and has starred with the England Under-21’s, with his next loan move surely the last one before he can be considered a first-team prospect at Chelsea.
With Frank Lampard about to take over as Chelsea boss, his friendship with Gerrard may aid Rangers if they move for Clarke-Salter again, especially as Lampard and Leeds had a fractious relationship last season.
Clarke-Salter doesn’t fit the exact bill for Rangers in terms of experience, but he’s undoubtedly a quality defender, and if Rangers sense a potential deal is in the offing, they should at least ask the question and roll with four youthful yet talented centre backs.
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