'I've seen Kosta Nedeljkovic in the flesh for Aston Villa and this is what Rangers can expect'

Rangers look set to complete the signing of Kosta Nedeljkovic from Aston Villa.

The Gers have been in need of a new right-back since James Tavernier departed at the end of last season.

A lack of options in that area has prompted Derek McInnes to utilise a three-back formation in recent weeks.

That certainly hasn't worked, proven by the fact that the only win of the campaign so far came with four at the back against St Mirren last time out.

It now looks as if the Light Blues can push forward with that system as Nedeljkovic prepares to move to Govan.

The Serbia international could prove to be a top addition for Rangers based on my own experience.

Kosta Nedeljkovic is a true diamond in the rough at Aston Villa

Ever since the right-back stepped through the doors at Villa Park, I thought he would succeed at Premier League level.

His first pre-season in 2024 was superb and I even earmarked him to be the Young Player of the Year in Unai Emery's squad for that season.

As a season ticket holder I was there as he made his Premier League debut against Arsenal, where I thought he performed well.

His claret and blue spell didn't follow that same direction.

Things didn't work out and he only made 10 appearances before departing on loan to RB Leipzig.

The powers that be in the Midlands clearly didn't rate him, but I was impressed by what I saw.

He has pace to burn, he is tall and serves as a true threat going forward.

Nedeljkovic is a useful operator going the other way, although that may prove to be an area of improvement moving forward.

At 20, he has plenty to learn and will only get better the more he plays, something that Villa haven't given him the chance to do.

Rangers are now set to pluck him out of Villa Park and give him a chance, something which could pay off massively.

Rangers are getting a bargain for Nedeljkovic

It's fair that the Govan faithful are unlikely to have heard about the Serbian before being linked with him.

The link has existed throughout the summer but took a step up on Monday.

The Athletic journalist Jacob Tanswell reported that he is set to join Rangers on loan with an obligation to buy for £4million.

That is a fee that I simply can't believe.

Villa have made a habit of signing young talents from abroad before selling them for a profit further down the line.

I assumed that was the plan for Nedeljkovic when he was given no chance to feature in claret and blue last season.

Instead, he is being let go for just £4m, representing a loss of around £2.5m for the Villans.

That could see him mark a true bargain for the Light Blues if he hits the ground running.

I'm disappointed to see him leave Villa Park, but he has every chance to thrive under McInnes moving forward.