Daniel Feliciano

Tue 28 February 2023 13:10, UK

Rangers will try to sign Panathinaikos midfielder Dimitris Kourbelis this summer if Ryan Jack doesn’t extend his contract, according to journalist Georgios Sideridis.

The Scotland international’s current deal at Ibrox is set to expire this summer, and there has been little indication as to whether or not he will be penning fresh terms under Michael Beale.

But after reports that Rangers had scouts at the Athens derby between Panathinaikos and Olympiacos to watch a trio of international players, it’s now emerged that they see defensive midfielder Kourbelis as an alternative to Jack should he leave.

“Rangers are considering Panathinaikos captain Dimitris Kourbelis as the alternative of Ryan Jack,” he wrote on his personal Twitter account (28 February).

“If the Scottish midfielder will not renew his contract with Rangers, they will make a move for Kourbelis whose contract expires in June with Panathinaikos.”

Planning?

Rangers are seemingly planning for the imminent exit of some of their top players, and Michael Beale is being given the green light to rebuild.

Jack is one of several players out of contract, including Alfredo Morelos, Ryan Kent, Allan McGregor and Steven Davis and should any or all of them need then the club will need to have reinforcements ready.

Kourbelis is an experienced player having featured over 30 times for the Greek national team, and his ability to play at both centre-back and in midfield will be a big help to the squad.

There’s also the high chance that James Sands will leave when his loan expires, and Kourbelis will help to fill that hole too.

It’s going to be a busy summer at Ibrox and Rangers are clearly beginning to make their moves early doors to ensure they’re not left in the dust any more by Celtic next season.

In other Rangers news, Ross Wilson and Douglas Park must leave now – enough is enough.