Rangers need a centre back (or perhaps two), and they were linked with George Edmundson of Oldham Atheltic. However, latest reports from the Daily Mail states that Rangers have had a bid for Edmundson turned down. Earlier it was believed that the English defender would be available for within £450,000, but now Oldham are looking for more for their star defender.
Apart from Rangers, three English club’s bids have also been turned down, and Oldham are trying to extract as much as they can for their 6ft 3inches centre back. Oldham finished 14th in the League Two this season and Edmundson rejected the offer to sign a new contract. The defender is contracted to stay with Oldham until 2020.
The report adds that Rangers are sceptical about blowing big money for a young player who is yet to take the next big step in his footballing career. Edmundson has come up from Oldham’s academy, and he might take some time to produce results as he isn’t yet accustomed to playing at a higher level.
We feel that Rangers might still be able to lure him as they can offer the youngster a chance to play in European competition. However, Oldham are looking to entice a bidding war as quite a few clubs are interested in him.
Why do Rangers need to sign centre backs?
Rangers desperately need a centre back or two as they are going to lose the services of two centre backs in the next few weeks. Gareth McAuley was signed on a one-year contract in the summer of 2018, and Joe Worrall’s loan spell is expiring soon.
That would leave Rangers with Connor Goldson and Nikola Katic as the only two outright centre-halves at the club. With Europa League qualifiers set to start early, it is understandable why Gerrard is after a defender in the early part of the transfer window.
Should Rangers come up with an improved offer for Edmundson?
Rangers need to close the gap on Celtic, and they need players who would straightway make an impact when they sign for the club as the next season is going to be a crucial one for Gerrard. Edmundson does not have the experience of playing football at a higher level, and he might take some time to settle in at the club. The Englishman has immense potential, and he made 54 appearances for his side in League Two this season. However, paying more than £500k could be risky for him and Rangers should look to sign a proven and experienced defender.
