According to the latest reports from the Herald Scotland, Oldham Atheltic have turned down Rangers’ second bid of £500,000 for their star defender George Edmundson. Reports earlier mentioned that the Gers put in a bid of around the £450,000 mark. Amidst this, the English defender has put in a transfer request after Rangers’ second bid was knocked back.
It remains to be seen whether the Gers would be willing to come up with an improved offer for the defender. Edmundson putting in a transfer request is definitely a good sign for the chasing clubs as he has made it clear that he wants to move away from the League Two outfit.
Oldham are keen to entice a bidding war for their star defender. Championship clubs like Wigan, Stoke and Derby County are also said to be interested. Hull City and Peterborough United had their bids turned down earlier. The defender has come up from Oldham’s academy and is soon going to enter the final year of his contract.
The Latics are likely to sell him as Edmundson has already rejected a chance to sign a new deal. A move is definitely on the cards, and it would be interesting to see whether Rangers will be able to win his signature.
Why might the club be in a hurry to sign a centre back?
The Gers are going to lose two centre backs in the transfer window as Joe Worrall’s, and Gareth McAuley’s contract are expiring. With Europa League qualifiers set to begin early, it would be imperative for Gerrard to sign a centre back or two early in the transfer window.
Edmundson had an impressive campaign as he played 54 games for his side in all competitions. The defender contributed with two goals and five assists as well, and at 21, he was a leader at the back for his side. However, moving to Rangers will be a big step up, and the Gers need readymade players for the upcoming season as they desperately want to stop Celtic from taking away all the honours.
Should Gerrard come up with an improved bid?
The Englishman is an impressive defender with good overall qualities, but he is yet to be tested in a tougher league. Rangers have just two defenders in the form of Connor Goldson and Nikola Katic, and they should try to sign an experienced defender for the upcoming season. £500,000 bid for Edmundson is a decent figure as he is going to enter in the final year of his contract. Therefore we feel that Gerrard should not come up with an improved offer for him.
