Why Casper Widell transfer to Rangers is only a matter of time as exit on cards

Casper Widell could be the centre-back Rangers sign to bolster their defence for Derek McInnes.

The Excelsior Rotterdam star has been linked with a move to the Gers this transfer window and his situation is one to keep an eye on.

With the Light Blues clearly in desperate need of reinforcements at the back, they could do with someone like the 23-year-old in their squad.

Widell is expected to leave Excelsior amid reports of being a target at Ibrox.

The Glaswegian outfit aren't the only team keeping an eye on the centre-back, with significant interest in him.

It feels like a matter of time before the Sweden Under-21 international leaves the Eredivisie club and it remains to be seen whether Govan will be his next stop.

When Excelsior could sell Casper Widell to Rangers

Ibrox News covered the story about Rangers wanting Widell earlier this summer.

It has been clear for a while now that the Gers need to sign multiple centre-backs ahead of next season, especially with John Souttar not in McInnes' plans.

The Light Blues' highly publicised pursuit of Sankhoun Diawara seems to have come to an end, with AC Milan expected to win the race for the 20-year-old defender.

It wouldn't be surprising to see the Glaswegian outfit turn their attention to Widell now, who is likely to leave Excelsior in the coming weeks, according to Dutch outlet AD.

What could potentially be holding up the centre-back's exit is the Eredivisie club's lack of a replacement, as they're expected to look for a new defender if he leaves.

Why Derek McInnes might want Casper Widell at Ibrox

Rangers lost plenty of leadership from their squad when James Tavernier decided to leave at the end of last season.

McInnes will need to appoint a new captain at the Gers before the first competitive game of the campaign on 31 July against Dundee United at Tannadice Park.

In Lawrence Shankland, Dan Neil and Vanja Dragojevic, the Light Blues have signed players who have served as captains at their previous clubs.

The Glaswegian outfit will certainly be getting another natural leader if they get a deal over the line for Widell.

Speaking to the media previously about the Swedish defender, Excelsior manager Ruben den Uil said, "He naturally has leadership qualities. When I see how he embraces his role, both on and off the pitch, Casper delivers what you expect and ask of a captain."

The Govan side may now have to wait for the Dutch side to sign a new defender before they can convince them to let Widell go.