Three Reading teammates Murty could sign at Rangers

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Graeme Murty is the bookies’ favourite to become Rangers next permanent manager at Ibrox.

Interim manager Graeme Murty is now the clear favourite to take the Rangers job on a permanent basis following Derek McInnes’ decision to remain at Aberdeen despite weeks of speculation.

Paddy Power price 43-year-old Murty at 1/33 to step up from his role as caretaker boss, after Aberdeen chairman Stewart Milne told the Dons’ official website that McInnes had informed him that he wants to remain at Pittodrie.

With the January transfer window looming in less than a month’s time, Murty could be drawing up possible additions to his Rangers side as he is likely to be given the job permanently.

Here are three players Murty could sign from his Reading days, where he spent 11 years between 1998 and 2009.

Adam Federici (Bournemouth)

The 32-year-old goalkeeper is currently nursing a knee injury that he picked up while on loan with Nottingham Forest in September, but would be an excellent signing should he move to Ibrox.

Question marks still remain over the quality of Wes Foderingham in between the sticks, as he fails to prove consistent in goal – managing just six clean sheets in 18 league and cup appearances.

Clearly out of favour at Bournemouth behind Artur Boruc and Asmir Begovic, Australia international Federici would surely be available in January on loan or as part of a permanent deal.

Steve Sidwell (Brighton)

The experienced midfielder, 34, has just a matter of months remaining on his current contract at the Amex Stadium, failing to make a single appearance for Chris Hughton’s side.

With Ross McCrorie currently being used in the holding midfield role, the 18-year-old’s development would reach its peak if a player of Sidwell’s experience was brought in to help him develop at the base of the Gers midfield.

Jem Karacan (Bolton)

Similarly to Sidwell, 28-year-old Karacan is in the final year of his contract and will be available on a free in January on a pre-contrat agreement. Known for his close control and ability to connect the midfield and attack, he would be the perfect replacement for Croatia international Niko Kranjcar.

Kranjcar’s future at Ibrox looks bleak as he struggles to overcome injury; yet to have an impact north of the border. Five years his junior, Turkish midfielder Karacan would provide goals, assists and a classiness to Rangers’ football.