Risky Rangers transfer news emerges as Mason Holgate worry on cards

The ages of veteran duo Connor Goldson and Leon Balogun should worry Philippe Clement as Rangers are reportedly targeting Everton enforcer Mason Holgate.

Holgate is currently on loan at Southampton, having become an outcast under Sean Dyche at Goodison Park, but he has only managed to make five appearances for the Saints.

As per The Sun (11 December), the Toffees are set to recall the 27-year-old from his loan due to a lack of playing time, with Rangers one of three teams interested in his signature for the second half of the season.

While Holgate presents Clement with a much younger option at centre-back, with John Souttar and Ben Davies currently playing rotational roles, there is a risk factor to bringing him to Scotland.

Despite his time with England U21s and nearly nine years with Everton, Holgate has become a second thought at his parent club, as well as his loan club. This begs the question - what's wrong with him?

His 149 appearances for Everton suggest that he should be one of the most experienced defenders in any Championship team. But his recent performances and distrust by two separate managers tell a different story.

A six-month loan deal is the perfect scenario for all parties, however. With the number of different tournaments and busy schedule, Rangers should welcome in a Premier League defender.

And if his performances are not up to Clement's standards, there is no pressure of a transfer fee for the Gers. It looks like a case of boosting his confidence, rather than anything more serious.

A move to Scotland could, and should, help with that. He could gain his first experience of Europa League football and help Rangers to keep chase with Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.

In other Rangers news, a rival club wanted the Ibrox boss before he arrived to replace Michael Beale.