Rangers want to complete new centre-back transfer in next few days – Fabrizio Romano
Rangers are looking to prioritise the signing of a new centre-back in the next few days, according to Fabrizio Romano.
According to the Italian transfer guru, speaking to GiveMeSport (17 August), a centre-back is one of the Light Blues’ priorities before the close of the window as they are taking their time over the next move.
Beale has been provided with nine signings in Glasgow this summer, including several attacking additions and has long been linked with a new centre-back signing despite completing a deal to bring back Leon Balogun.
The Gers have long been linked with Nottingham Forest centre-back Jonathan Panzo and a new name has emerged in recent days with Peterborough youngster Ronnie Edwards looking likely to leave The Posh this summer.
And according to Romano, Rangers could aim to strengthen their centre-back department in the coming days.
He said: “That’s one of the priorities. Again, let’s see what will happen in that case in the next few days because they are taking their time to make their next move.
“But that’s the position they want to strengthen in the next few days before the end of the transfer window.”
One more needed
Rangers have been particularly impressive in the transfer window this summer, completing a whopping nine deals strengthening areas that needed desperate attention.
Beale’s attacking weaponry and midfield is now well-stocked ahead of this season but another new addition at centre-back could make this window a 10/10 for the whole club and that has got to be a priority in the coming weeks.
Certainly, Rangers possess a number of options in the position but none of them are reliable enough to contend with a 30-plus campaign throughout, with the likes of Conor Goldson, John Souttar and Ben Davies all enduring spells on the treatment table last season.
Leon Balogun was a smart addition given his knowledge of the club and invaluable experience but he arguably won’t prove a reliable presence either, given his age so it’s imperative Beale bolster his centre-back ranks with a player capable of coming in and making an immediate impact while possessing the potential to become a leading figure in te future.
Edwards and Panzo are certainly two top-tier options for Beale to consider this summer and with just two weeks left, Rangers face a race against time to get this deal done. It needs to happen if they are to reach the next level this season.
In other Rangers news, Stephen McGowan believes that failure to reach the Champions League group stage, a potential £25m loss, could be “painful” for the Rangers directors, and further increase the pressure on Michael Beale.