Jason Jones

Fri 26 June 2020 7:00, UK

Tam McManus has claimed that Rangers should make a move to sign Livingston striker Lyndon Dykes this summer. 

The 24-year-old has emerged as a target for the Gers as they look to revamp their squad ahead of a historic title race in which they will be bidding to stop Celtic from winning a dreaded 10-in-a-row.

And McManus believes that Dykes could diversify the Steven Gerrard’s attack brilliantly.

Speaking to PLZ Soccer, the ex-Hibernian man said: “I spoke about it in the last transfer window – I thought Rangers should have went for him. He gives them a different option.

“Rangers try to play everything through the middle and teams got wise to that. Particularly at Ibrox, they were sitting in, blocking the middle of the pitch and quite happy to defend crosses against Defoe and Morelos.

“I think they need a bigger physical presence up there. Knock downs, wee flick-ons and bullying centre-halves, giving his strike partner a little bit of extra space in the box.

“I think he would be good in a two upfront with either Defoe or Morelos. I think he would be a good signing.”

Would Dykes be a good signing for Rangers?

If the Gers are to beat Celtic to the title next season, they need to find new ways to win matches so that they don’t drop needles points against the lesser sides in the division.

In that respect Dykes would be a good signing, largely because he offers something so different to Alfredo Morelos.

His physical presence is unquestionable.

The Livi man contested 23.84 aerial duels per game this season, as per Wyscout, whereas Morelos contested just 3.72.

Dykes also won an average of 7% more than the Colombian.

In terms of all duels, Dykes contested 43.11 per game to Morelos’ 28.26, and won 1.2% more.

There’s no denying that he would bring some much-needed muscle to the frontline at Ibrox, and if a deal is doable then we think it would be a great piece of business.

In other Rangers news, Ibrox Exclusive: Alex Bruce hails Gers after 32,000 season ticket sales.