Rangers transfer news: Central defensive signings on the cards as Ben Davies to Stoke update emerges
Rangers are expected to make “at least one” signing at centre-back this summer even though they are tipped to keep hold of Ben Davies, Football Scotland reports.
The former Liverpool man is a target for Stoke City in the Championship, but as a high-earner at Ibrox he isn’t eager to leave after just one season.
That could change if a club were to put a “hefty package” in front of him but for now he is apparently set to stay at Ibrox, with Michael Beale not actively looking to move him on.
Whether the £4million signing a year ago goes or not there is expected to be more competition on its way for him in Glasgow, with Beale to “dip into the transfer market” at the position.
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Davies’ first season as a Rangers player sees the jury still out this summer, and a player being happy to stay because they are on a good contract is hardly the ideal situation.
He’s shown enough on the pitch to be a decent back-up option, but not necessarily to be one of the highest earners, so if English interest crystallises into actual bids Beale is surely going to consider them.
If John Souttar can stay fit the final games of the season suggested a partnership with Connor Goldson might be a solid base for the Light Blues next term.
The problem is the former Hearts man hasn’t been able to do that in recent seasons, and Goldson has had injury issues of his own.
Fielding the likes of James Sands, Leon King or John Lundstram in central defence in the Champions League this season showed the need to have adequate options when an injury crisis strikes.
So, while from a financial perspective it might make sense to part with Davies if it frees up other moves in the market, there is sure to be incoming movement either way.
In other Rangers news, one option could have become viable for Beale after confirmed transfer news on Thursday.