Rangers in pole position to sign James Sands, deal not quite done yet
Rangers are yet to agree a deal to sign New York City ace James Sands but they “are definitely in the driver’s seat”, according to Tom Bogert.
Writing via his personal Twitter account on Tuesday, the MLS journalist, who’s written for FourFourTwo and The Guardian, reported that talks have been underway between Rangers and New York for some time.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst is very keen on completing a deal for the 21-year-old USA international, who mainly plays at centre-back.
“As I reported last week, NYCFC and Rangers have been in talks about a potential James Sands deal for a bit,” said Bogert.
“Reports today suggest it’s getting closer, I’m told it’s still not quite done but Rangers are definitely in the driver’s seat. Would indeed be a loan with purchase option.”
He added: “Rangers and manager Gio van Bronckhorst really want him, so he should play a bunch.
“Big team in a smaller league, playing in Europa League comps. I think Sands could fit in anywhere in Europe so I’m sure he’d adapt fine there.”
Patterson money being put to use
On Tuesday, it was confirmed that Nathan Patterson has joined Everton for what is a club-record fee for the Gers.
It’s been widely reported that the Scottish champions could eventually pocket £16million for the 20-year-old right-back, which is great business.
Van Bronckhorst can now go about putting that money to use and signing Sands seems as though it could be great business.
He’s a versatile player who’s young, got his best years ahead of him and is already a full international for the USA.
Sands can play at centre-back and as a defensive midfielder but we definitely need reinforcements in the defence.
Connor Goldson’s contract expires at the end of the season, as does the currently-injured Leon Balogun.
Filip Helander is also injured, Jack Simpson is out of the picture, Nikola Katic is out on loan and Calvin Bassey is naturally a left-back so there are short and long-term issues with all of our centre-backs right now.
Sands has 62 MLS appearances to his name and Bogert feels as though he’ll be a great addition at Ibrox.
We hope he’s right.
In other Rangers news, a BT pundit has reacted to Patterson’s move to Everton.