Talks underway: Rangers in bid to sign 24-year-old on free transfer – report
Rangers are in talks with Bournemouth defender Jack Simpson over a free transfer to Ibrox in the summer, according to the Bournemouth Daily Echo.
The newspaper reports that the 24-year-old’s deal at the Vitality Stadium expires at the end of the season and he would be able to join the Scottish Premiership leaders free of charge.
It is understood that Rangers have also made contact with midfielder Nnamdi Ofoborh, whose deal at Bournemouth also ends in the summer. However, it is understood the Cherries will be entitled to a compensation fee if the 21-year-old Nigeria youth international agrees to join the Gers.
Simpson signing pointless?
Unless Steven Gerrard is planning to get rid of a couple of centre-backs this year, we don’t see why he needs Simpson.
George Edumdson’s career at Ibrox seems over after the defender breached COVID protocol earlier this season and landed himself with a lengthy ban. However, away from him, Gerrard still has Connor Goldson, Nikola Katic, Filip Helander and Leon Balogun.
All four of those centre-backs are among the best in Scottish football and although Balogun’s deal expires in the summer, there is an option to extend it.
Simpson would more than likely be fifth-choice centre-back unless Gerrard sees someone like Goldson or Helander leaving.
We hope that isn’t the case but we’re more intrigued by the Gers’ interest in Ofoborh.
The 21-year-old, who can play as a centre-back or central midfielder, spent last season on loan at Wycombe, helping them win promotion to the English Championship.
We need more central midfield players so signing him for a compensation fee would make more sense than signing Simpson on a free.
In other Rangers news, fans are blown away by this Sky Sports journalist’s transfer update for the Light Blues.