Rangers backed to complete ‘one of their best signings of the summer’ as Michael Beale ‘really admires’ Steven Davis
Rangers could yet pull off one of their top pieces of business throughout the transfer window if they sign Steven Davis to a new contract, according to Dean Jones.
The former Eurosport journalist told GIVEMESPORT (4 August) that getting a deal done for the Northern Ireland international “could be one of their best signings of the summer” as the 38-year-old is “invaluable” to the club in terms of “identity and character”.
Davis has remained at Ibrox after the expiry of his contract as he looks to recover from the double ACL tear he suffered last season [Sky Sports, 9 February] and himself revealed that had been “discussions in the background” over a new deal but he has primarily been focussing on the rehab from his injury [Belfast Live, 29 July].
Jones said: “It’s interesting that Rangers are talking to him about a new contract but also not a surprise really. Michael Beale really respects and admires him and for months now there has been a chance that he will stick around.
“He’s invaluable in terms of the team’s identity and character and even in a non-playing role would have benefits to Rangers moving forward. That’s something they will pursue at some point, but firstly he obviously wants to see if he can get back to playing.
“If they could get him back again it could be one of their best signings of the summer.”
The Light Blues have already signed nine new players this summer, with Jose Cifuentes’ arrival from LAFC the most recent.
Reliable
Davis is highly unlikely to be a regular feature in the first team at Ibrox even if he does sign but his off-pitch influence is widely commended.
So with a lot of Rangers experience gone as Allan McGregor and Scott Arfield left, as well as Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos, keeping the veteran midfielder around could be all the more important now.
With all the new arrivals coming into the Light Blues squad it could be very beneficial to have someone seen as a consummate professional around to help with the integration.
Rangers showed how much they value Davis by keeping him at the club to go through the rehab after his serious injury, which at his age would be some achievement to get back playing from.
The 128-cap international is surely in line for some sort of coaching role at the club sooner or later, but it appears that for now the ambition is for him to play again first.
Beale may have designs on Davis being his representative within the dressing room, so as long as everything is going smoothly with his knee he could be in line for a return to the squad, and some cameos off the bench at least this season.
In other Rangers news, a Gers ace has rejected multiple offers from within the Scottish Premiership as his Ibrox exit is confirmed.