Barry Ferguson can’t imagine why Rangers won’t be looking at Lawrence Shankland and Kevin Nisbet
Barry Ferguson can’t imagine why Rangers wouldn’t be looking to sign Lawrence Shankland and Kevin Nisbet in the January transfer window.
The Go Radio pundit suggests on the Daily Record (20 January) that the next 10 days or so will determine how far Michael Beale can take the squad as he undertakes the rebuilding work.
The Bears are reportedly close to securing a deal for Todd Cantwell, while they are in the hunt to sign Morgan Whittaker and Nicolas Raskin as well [Daily Record].
“It wouldn’t surprise me, for example, if he is taking a very close look at Lawrence Shankland and Kevin Nisbet and considering making a move for one or both of them in the coming days,” wrote Ferguson for the Daily Record.
“I realise the fans of Hearts and Hibs won’t want to hear it and please believe me when I say I’m not being disrespectful to their clubs. But I honestly can’t imagine any reason why Beale wouldn’t be looking at the pair of them when they are performing to such high levels on his own doorstep.”
Shankland has scored 19 goals in 31 games this season for Hearts and Nisbet has netted seven times in six matches since returning from a serious knee injury since the World Cup break ended.
Late signings
Both these players are indeed playing on top levels this season, and there is no doubt that they could be handy additions to the side.
However, Beale wants players who can improve his first team, and he needs to rebuild the squad step by step.
His first job after replacing Giovanni van Bronckhorst was to arrest the gradual decline. The Bears were in free fall under the Dutchman, and the club needed to stop that.
After picking 19 points from a possible 21, Beale has made an unbeaten start at Ibrox.
His second job is now to gradually rebuild the side. Last January, Rangers signed Aaron Ramsey who turned out to be a big flop, despite his heavyweight reputation.
Beale appears to be working on a proper plan. He wants to reduce the age limit on his side. Todd Cantwell is only 24, while Morgan Whittaker is 22 years of age [Daily Record].
Another player reportedly linked with a move is Nicolas Raskin who is 21. There is a clear strategy here, and let’s hope the club can get those three deals done quickly before looking elsewhere.
In other Rangers news, an approach has been made as one player is heading for America with an exit close