Ibrox View: Rangers must be wary of pundit advice over reported PL summer swoop
RANGERS OPINION
One of the most obvious advantages of having Steven Gerrard as Rangers manager is his close connection with Liverpool.
Last season’s champions of Europe, and this season’s Premier League champions elect, the Reds have an abundance of young, exciting talent at their disposal, and quite often no senior outlet for those players.
Given Gerrard’s long and storied history at Anfield, it only makes sense that he should have first refusal on any prodigious talent that is made available for loan.
We’ve seen how positive that can be with Ryan Kent’s temporary stint at Ibrox that was eventually made permanent last summer, although Sheyi Ojo’s time in Scotland has been less eye-catching.
But now another Kop starlet is being linked with a move north, and there is optimism that a deal could be completed.
According to a report from Football Insider, the Gers are eager to land attacking midfielder Curtis Jones this summer.
And Noel Whelan has told the same outlet that he thinks a deal could easily happen.
He said: “Look, I think Jurgen Klopp and Steven Gerrard will have a good relationship, that’s for sure, and if Jurgen can help Steven in any way possible, I think he will.
“I think the advantage that Steven Gerrard has.”
But we should be very wary of that kind of optimism, even taking into consideration Gerrard’s affinity with the Reds.
It was only three months ago that the Gers were knocked back in a separate attempt to land the 19-year-old, and if anything, his prospects at Anfield have only increased since then.
So far this term he has made eight appearances of the first team, and has been on the bench for a further six Premier League matches.
Klopp has shown before that he is willing to put his faith in youth with the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, and if Jones plays his cards right, he could be the next Anfield starlet to make the big step up to a regular starting role.
For that reason, it’s hard to see us landing him this summer, even with Gerrard being able to call in a favour or two.
In other Rangers news, UEFA chief delivers major update on Gers Europa League clash v Leverkusen.