Anthony Onifade

Tue 20 June 2023 9:10, UK

Rangers have had a bid for defender Charlie Cresswell rejected by Leeds United, but Michael Beale must quickly push the club to make another approach for his services.

Rangers have operated impressively and effectively in the market already this summer so far, announcing Sam Lammers as the latest to join the Ibrox revolution – completing their fourth signing of the summer after Kieran Dowell, Jack Butland and Dujon Sterling joined on free transfers.

Before the end of last campaign, Beale strongly admitted that he will look to prioritise a centre-back signing this summer, with the likes of Auston Trusty and Jonathan Panzo two names that have emerged as options to strengthen his defensive weaponry.

And according to Football League World [19 June], the Gers have identified Leeds wonder Cresswell as another potential target but had an undisclosed bid for Cresswell rejected out of hand by the Elland Road hierarchy with the England Under-21 international emerging as a favourite of Beale during his impressive loan spell at Millwall.

The report claims it remains to be seen whether Rangers could make another approach for the defender given their strict budget but given Cresswell’s quality and probable desire to seek a new challenge elsewhere, the Gers will be silly not to test Leeds’ resolve once more.

It certainly seems as if Beale is intent on keeping that centre-back transfer promise having already been linked with the likes of Panzo and Trusty in recent weeks, and there are no guarantees Rangers will be looking to sign either of those quality options.

Ideally, the Gers should be signing two centre-backs to bolster their defence, given the injury troubles suffered by all of Beale’s tried-and-trusted options in Conor Goldson, Ben Davies and John Souttar.

With Davies’ immediate future unclear, as well as youngster Leon King and the lack of durability shown throughout the campaign, it is imperative Rangers are proactive in the market and attempting to sign Cresswell certainly signals a promising statement of intent by the Gers.

The 20-year-old sensation enjoyed a thrilling loan spell at Millwall before his eye-socket injury, featuring in 28 Championship games and recording four goals and two assists, emerging as one of the most exciting centre-back talents on the land.

The Elland Road product, dubbed “excellent” by his boss Gary Rowett was mightily impressive throughout last season, as Millwall chased an unprecedented promotion to the Premier League, only to fall at the last hurdle in Cresswell’s absence.

And his stark showings and defensive attributes certainly proved a factor in their downfall. Cresswell averaged 1.3 interceptions, 1.5 tackles, was dribbled past only 0.5 times per game in the Championship and also averaged 3.1 clearances all while winning 61% of his aerial duels, and 58% of his ground duels [SofaScore] highlighting his completeness when defending.

Cresswell certainly fits the kind of profile Beale is desperate for at centre-back.

A young, mobile, agile, progressive, and dominant player capable of slotting in seamlessly into his new surroundings and given how quickly and efficiently Cresswell slotted in at Millwall in the Championship, he’ll have no problems acclimatising to the Scottish Premiership should he make the move.

His all-action style and rapid development in South London simply cannot be ignored at Ibrox, and he may well be ready for the next level and for that reason, Rangers must make another push for his services.

With Leeds United desperate for some cash to bolster their own squad, Rangers must make another attempt to secure one of the biggest talents in West Yorkshire.

In other Rangers news, transfer terms for a high-profile Ibrox move have been scrapped but the player could yet still arrive at the club this summer.