Rangers showed some promise this season as they were neck a neck with Celtic in the title race until January. However, inconsistency in performance and defensive frailties probably cost them a shot at running Celtic close. With not much too play for this season, Gerrard’s men will look to end the season on a high so that they can take the positive momentum to the next season.
One area where Gerrard will need to add reinforcements is in the centre back position. The Bears are going to lose Joe Worrall as his loan spell is set to expire. The defender has often been used as the first choice option along with Connor Goldson this season. The Englishman did put in some strong performances, but like many others, he too has been inconsistent. Goldson has demanded that his club signs Worrall permanently, but that seems unlikely to happen. Rangers will also lose Gareth McAuley as he was offered just a year-long contract. So here are three defenders the Gers can go after in the summer.
Jake Cooper
The Millwall centre half was wanted by Gerrard in the last summer as well, but he stayed put with the English club. The Lions are in a relegation scrap currently as they sit on the 20th spot on the table. So maybe if they go down, Rangers will have an improved chance of signing him.
Even if they don’t go down to the League One, Gerrard should go all out to sign this 6ft5in ace. The Bears have often been too soft or naive at the back, and a classic no-nonsense defender is the need of the hour for them. The defender is currently at the peak of his powers as he is still 24 so he has the perfect mix of youth plus experience.
Ciaran Clark
The Newcastle United defender has hardly found any game time this season after the emergence of Florian Lejeune and Fabian Schar. The Irish international has the experience of playing in over 160 games in the Premier League and is versatile enough to play as a left-back when required. Clark is a decent defender with good qualities on the ball, and his signing could take Rangers to the next level.
John Souttar
One of the standout defenders of the Premiership has already been linked with Rangers, and we feel that he could be a perfect long term option for the Bears. For a 22-year-old, Souttar looks mature beyond his age, and he can be a long term solution to Rangers’ defensive problems. However, the Bears might have to shell out top money to sign him as the defender signed a new contract with Hearts just a few months ago.
