Philippe Clement stance emerges as Jonny Evans transfer suggested at Rangers
Manchester United defender Jonny Evans has been suggested to Philippe Clement as a potential signing by a member of the Rangers hierarchy, according to the Daily Record.
The Scottish website reports [6 January] that the Belgian is currently facing an injury crisis at Ibrox, with John Souttar, Neraysho Kasanwirjo, Leon Balogun, James Tavernier and Dujon Sterling all sidelined now.
Despite this, it is understood that Clement is put off the idea of signing the Northern Ireland international due to his age, given he turned 37 just three days ago.
Rangers to sign Jonny Evans for defensive backup?
Clement certainly has reason to be wary of signing the veteran defender, but with so many injuries piling up at Ibrox, he cannot afford to be picky during the January transfer window.
While Robin Propper seems to now be finding his feet in Glasgow, he has picked up one too many yellow cards and is suspended while his partner from the last match, Sterling, has picked up another injury.
This leaves Leon King as the only real centre-back option ahead of the Gers’ upcoming clash against Dundee on Thursday 9 January, with the manager unlikely to call up any youngsters.
Clinton Nsiala has been training with the Rangers B team since arriving as a free agent during the summer, though the 20-year-old has been unable to impress so far at youth level.
Clement is quickly running out of defensive options and if Nils Koppen cannot find suitable replacements in the coming days and weeks, the pair may have to take Evans’ transfer seriously.
The Man United man has started just three Premier League games this season, but given his experience across the last two decades, he could give the team that extra boost needed right now.
Otherwise, Clement could end up utilising defensive midfielders at centre-back while he waits for his injury-stricken players to return to full fitness, which could be a long time.
In other Rangers news, Gabby Agbonlahor was baffled over the Old Firm ticket saga following a recent revelation.
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