Rangers transfer news as Jonathan Panzo fee and wages on table at Ibrox
Rangers remain interested in Nottingham Forest centre-back Jonathan Panzo but sources close to all parties believe that a transfer is not any closer, according to journalist Scott Burns.
Michael Beale is on the lookout for another centre-back this summer as part of his extensive rebuild, after his squad was hit by repeated injury issues at the position last season.
Online outlet The 4th Official, writing on their official Patreon page [24 June] reported that Beale has sold his Rangers vision to the Nottingham Forest defender who is now interested in the move to Ibrox.
However, according to Burns writing on his personal Twitter account [2 July], Rangers know the fee and wages in order to secure Panzo’s signature, but any move is not any closer to completion.
He wrote: “Been told by sources on all sides that a move for Jonathan Panzo to Rangers is not any closer. Rangers remain interested.
“They know the fee and wages but have yet to trigger the deal. German and English clubs also remain actively in talks with Panzo’s camp.
Wasting time
The 22-year-old is set to return to his parent club at the City Ground, but could well be on the move to find a new lease of life and Rangers certainly represents the perfect platform to fully establish himself as a top defender.
However, this latest development comes as some source of frustration for the club fans, especially with the knowledge that Rangers desperately need a new centre-back through the door this summer.
Panzo is arguably the man to provide a swift impact at Ibrox and become a household name, and given his coming-of-age campaign at Coventry City this season, he is certainly ready for the step up the footballing ladder.
If the Gers want to secure their man, they’ve got to pay up because missing out on such a crucial and exciting opportunity simply isn’t good news for Beale and his need for a quality and reliable centre-back, given the injuries his side experienced last season.
As per FBRef, Panzo ranks in the 83rd percentile of defenders in Europe’s top eight leagues for progressive passes per 90 minutes, 86th percentile for progressive carries per 90 and the 80th percentile for passes into the final third, again highlighting why he was amongst the best in the league for progressive passing and his abilities on the ball.
A brilliant defender who is perfect for Beale’s system, so what is taking Rangers so long?
In other Rangers news, five academy starlets get first-team opportunity in pre-season.