Rangers not signing James Sands as direct Nathan Patterson replacement – report
Rangers are keen on sealing a move for New York City FC defender James Sands, according to the Glasgow Evening Times.
Interestingly though, the American isn’t said to be a like-for-like replacement for the outgoing Nathan Patterson.
The Scotland international is set to seal a move to Everton in the imminent future, with a £16million deal said to be in place.
Sands can play at right-back and also in the heart of midfield and in defence as his versatility is bound to be an attractive option.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst has a settled starting XI as things stand at Ibrox, so bringing in players who can strengthen multiple areas sounds smart.
James Tavernier is solid at right-back and has cemented his spot there, so promotion from within being mooted makes perfect sense.
Versatile.
Bringing in another young right-back who can’t play in other positions would only halt their progress and likely lead to another situation where they are unhappy.
Van Bronckhorst and Ross Wilson have been smart, with Sands able to play in midfield and defence, but will easily slot in should Tavernier pick up an injury or suspension down the line.
The Scottish Daily Mail reported this morning that the Bears are in pole position for the signing, meaning it could be getting closer.
Having options that can cover two or three positions in the squad is critical, and will only help our charge to the Scottish Premiership title as well as playing in Europe.
Sands is the perfect example of that, and hopefully, a deal can be sorted out as soon as possible.
In other Rangers news, an official club partner has fired back at Tom English after his latest bitter jibe at the Bears