Ben Davies and Kieran Dowell transfer update emerges as Rangers begin pre-season
Rangers duo Ben Davies and Kieran Dowell reported for pre-season training on Monday at Auchenhowie.
Russell Martin oversaw his first training session on 23 June after replacing Barry Ferguson as the Gers’ manager.
Former Dundee midfielder Lyall Cameron became the first summer arrival at the Light Blues after agreeing a pre-contract, but he is on the sidelines at the moment after picking up an injury.
More incomings are certainly expected at Bears, but the outgoing will be one to keep an eye on as Birmingham City want Davies and Dowell to return.
Martin gives Davies and Dowell chance to impress amid Birmingham transfer interest
Davies and Dowell are being given a chance to impress Martin during pre-season, according to Birmingham Live.
The news outlet reports (24 June) that Birmingham would be interested in signing the Gers duo permanently from Ibrox for the right price, but the former Southampton manager wants to take a look at them.
| Player | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Dowell | 23 | 5 | 5 |
| Davies | 44 | 1 | 1 |
It’s been claimed that while the centre-back and attacking midfielder are out of contract at the Light Blues next year, their futures will depend on whether the 39-year-old head coach has them in his plans.
The 29-year-old defender and 27-year-old playmaker had an impressive spell at the League One champions last season, and their situation is one to keep an eye on.
Davies could play important role at Rangers under Martin
Leon Balogun left Ibrox after his contract expired and has signed for Aris Limassol ahead of the upcoming season.
The Gers don’t have many reliable options in the backline after the Nigerian ace’s departure, with fitness issues plaguing them in the previous campaign.
John Souttar is a doubt to face Panathinaikos in the Champions League qualifier, giving Martin a major headache before taking charge of his first competitive fixture at the Glaswegian outfit.
Rangers could lose Robin Propper this summer, with the Dutch national being linked with a return to FC Twente after failing to live up to expectations at Ibrox.
Leicester City centre-back Conor Coady seems to be a concrete target for the Gers, but it remains to be seen whether an agreement can be reached soon.
The Light Blues do look close to completing their second transfer for the ex-Saints boss, with Max Aarons potentially moving from Bournemouth on loan.
If the Light Blues struggle to make any additions at centre-back before facing Panathinaikos on 22 July at home, Davies may play an important role.
Sign up for the Ibrox News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Rangers news sent straight to your phone.