Rangers January transfer: Stewart and Koppen priority emerges at Ibrox
Patrick Stewart and Nils Koppen need to prioritise signing a centre-back in the January transfer window at Rangers, Barry Ferguson says.
The Gers legend wants the new chief executive officer to shelve his other tasks for the time being and make a move for a defender in the coming month.
Leon Balogun went off injured in the 2-1 loss to St Mirren on Boxing Day, and Ferguson wants the Light Blues to strengthen their backline as soon as the winter window opens.
In the Daily Record (28 December), the 46-year-old wrote: “I’m sure Patrick Stewart has got a stack of jobs sitting in his in-tray needing addressed. But the new CEO needs to set them aside for the next few days and focus on finding Philippe Clement a new centre-back … and quick.
“Because there is absolutely no doubt that is the number one priority at Ibrox heading into next week’s Old Firm clash.
“They don’t have time to waste, so Stewart and sporting director Nils Koppen are going to have to get their heads together and work out a way to recruit a new defender as soon as the window opens.”
Rangers need to strengthen in January transfer window
The Bears have struggled this season and find themselves 12 points behind Celtic in the Scottish Premiership ahead of the New Year.
At the moment, Dujon Sterling and Robin Propper are the two fit, experienced options at Philippe Clement’s disposal, with John Souttar on the sidelines.
The Light Blues evidently need to add more depth to their defence, but the uncertainty around the Belgian manager’s future will make things difficult.
Rangers have taken positive steps in recent weeks, but the defeat in Paisley has raised question marks around the 50-year-old head coach’s future once again.
Clement could possibly find himself out of a job soon, which could deter the Gers from making any plans for the upcoming transfer period.
Stewart may likely have other pressing issues to deal with at Ibrox, but helping find the right fit at centre-back should indeed be his first concern in the coming month.
The Bears have some tough fixtures coming up in January and require more quality to deal with the adversity they are facing.
In other Rangers news, Derek Ferguson has told Clement what must happen to avoid the sack.
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