How much Rangers could have to pay for James Penrice as defender being pushed out

Rangers could have another opportunity to sign AEK Athens left-back James Penrice.

The 27-year-old joined the Greek side last summer from Hearts, but was linked with a move back to Scotland in the winter transfer window.

There's growing interest in the defender this summer, with the Light Blues among the teams in the race for him.

Derek McInnes didn't get a chance to work with Penrice at Hearts, but he may now have an opportunity to do so at Ibrox.

Tuur Rommens is currently the only natural left-back option at the Scottish manager's disposal.

Jayden Meghoma returned to Brentford from his loan spell in Glasgow after the end of last season, and the Govan side now clearly need depth in the position.

AEK Athens look for slight profit amid Rangers interest in James Penrice

Penrice hasn't had the best of times at AEK as he failed to cement his place in the starting lineup, sharing minutes with Albania international Stavro Pilo.

Javier Ribalta, the Greek club's director of football, is now trying to save face after the Scottish defender's underwhelming spell.

According to prominent Greek outlet Sportdog on 12 July, Penrice is possibly being pushed out of Allwyn Arena to make way for an upgrade.

AEK paid Hearts £2million to sign the left-back and are now looking to sell him for a slightly higher fee.

Derek McInnes' defence assessed as Ibrox transfers expected

Ibrox News has reported that Rangers have given John Souttar permission to leave this summer amid interest from clubs in England.

The Gers already have an evident lack of personnel in the backline, and the Scottish defender's situation will have come as a surprise to many.

At right-back, Ross McCrorie looks set to compete with Dujon Sterling, with Findlay Curtis also capable of being deployed in a defensive role, as he showed on loan at Kilmarnock.

McInnes clearly needs more than one new centre-back, with Emmanuel Fernandez and Ben Godfrey the only natural options once Souttar leaves.

If the Glaswegian outfit can get a deal over the line for Penrice, they certainly won't need to worry about the lack of depth in the position.

A lot more work must be done at the Govan side before the window closes.