Rangers now in talks to sign Hjalmar Ekdal as loan news emerges
Rangers are now in talks to sign Burnley star Hjalmar Ekdal on loan, according to Anel Avdic.
The report for Swedish outlet Expressen (12 January) claimed that the Gers have begun talks about a temporary deal for the 26-year-old.
The journalist claims that the Light Blues face competition from the likes of QPR and Stoke, as well as Italian clubs Sampdoria and Empoli who are also in contact with the Clarets over a deal.
Philippe Clement’s side is in desperate need of reinforcements as the Belgian seeks to limit the gap to arch-rivals Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
Rangers making moves is a positive sign
After newly-appointed CEO Patrick Stewart gave Clement assurances that his job is safe at Ibrox, work can begin on improving the squad.
The Bears could reduce the gap to Brendan Rodgers’ side to 15 points with a victory against St. Johnstone (12 January) but it remains a season of damage limitation in the league.
The fact that the Gers are backing Clement is a positive move because it means that the higher-ups have recognised that it will take time to overhaul the Hoops.
That realisation will help the manager and the CEO to come up with a long-term plan to catch up with their Glasgow rivals in the transfer market and also in terms of commercial deals off the pitch.
The deal for Ekdal does not align with that strategy unless the club can secure a permanent option for his signature within any potential deal.
The Gers need cover at centre-back but the seven-cap Sweden international has not featured in the Championship so far this season so it is a strange deal.
In other Rangers news, Gary Keown believes that the Gers should make a different decision on Clement’s future.
For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.