Barry Ferguson names player Rangers should be ‘all over’ to lead new rebuild
Former Rangers boss Barry Ferguson believes his old side must strengthen their defence for next season.
Despite repeatedly being their top scorer over the years, Rangers captain James Tavernier could leave when his contract expires this summer.
Reports suggest that there has been no breakthrough over an extension for the right-back, with centre-back John Souttar also in the last few months of his Rangers deal.
Rangers have the second meanest defence in the Scottish Premiership, behind fourth-placed Motherwell, with 18 goals conceded in 25 matches.
Ahead of a crunch game with The Steelmen at Fir Park on Wednesday night, Rangers have been urged to strengthen their defence in the summer, with Ferguson picking out one player in particular.
Rangers urged to sign rising star Luke Graham
Luke Graham has been on the radar of many big clubs for quite some time. In 2022, Graham was reportedly being scouted by Rangers, Celtic and Arsenal, while Sheffield United offered him a trial.
Over the years, the 21-year-old has had loan spells with Lochee United, Albion Rovers, Montrose, and Falkirk (twice), before well and truly making his Dundee breakthrough this season.
Now, Ferguson, who was Rangers’ interim boss between February and May last year, feels his old side must sign Graham as soon as possible.
He said on Go Radio: “I’d be all over the top of him. I think it’s important, speaking from a Rangers point of view, to have Scottish players.
“I’ve watched him five or six times this year, and he’s getting better and better every time. He’s natural on the left side, good size, and he has done it the hard way as well.”
Incidentally, on Saturday, former Dundee boss Tony Docherty stressed how important it was for the Dark Blues to keep hold of their rising star in the winter window.
He explained how it was important for Graham to go out on loan earlier in his career but now he is a “fantastic” player.
The Scotland Under-21 international, who stands at 6ft 4in tall, has made 23 league appearances for Dundee this season, scoring one goal in the process.
Rangers also have defenders Nasser Djiga, Max Aarons and Jayden Meghoma on loan, suggesting that a rebuild is needed in their backline this summer.
Will Rangers’ winter signings secure them the Scottish Premiership?
Rangers turned a few heads with the loan signing of Andreas Skov Olsen but he has taken time to adapt at Ibrox so far.
Midfielder Tochi Chukwuani has arguably been the pick of the winter recruits to date, with the former Sturm Graz man impressing in the centre of the park.
Big striker Ryan Naderi has already scored twice in two games since signing from Hansa Rostock on deadline day, while Tuur Rommens has been solid if unspectacular.
Now, the question is, will they be enough to propel Rangers to their first Scottish Premiership since 2021?
Rangers are just three points behind leaders Hearts, with bitter rivals Celtic three points back although they have a game in hand.
This week could be a season-defining one for Rangers as they are away at Motherwell, before hosting Hearts on Sunday. If they win both of those, the title could be heading back to Ibrox.