According to the report from STV, Rangers have made a deadline day approach to sign Burnley’s striker Matej Vydra on a six-month loan. The Bears have also enquired Hibernian forward Florian Kamberi, but the latest reports mention that Vydra is said to be Rangers’ preferred option.
The Czech international has found it hard to get game time with the Clarets as Sean Dyche has an established forward partnership of Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood. Vydra has appeared in 9 games this season whereas he started just one of them. His only start came in the Carabao Cup against Sunderland.
The 27-year-old has failed to establish himself in the Premier League, but Vydra is a proven player in the English Championship. The striker was top scorer in the division in the 2017-18 campaign when he bagged 21 goals for Derby County.
His impressive stint with the Rams earned him a move to the Premier League, but it is fair to say that he has had a tough time with Burnley. Hence, we feel that there is a good chance that Burnley might sanction this move.
Why is Gerrard after a striker?
Rangers have been thrown into action in the last few hours of the transfer window after Jermain Defoe suffered an injury against Ross County. Alfredo Morelos is just a yellow card away from facing another suspension, and it is understandable why the Gers are on the lookout for a new striker. Their latest performances after the winter break might have made Gerrard realise that they could do with more firepower to take on Celtic in a tight title race.
What can Vydra add to the table and how can he fit in?
The striker is a 26 times Czech Republic international, and he has played for the likes of Udinese, Watford and West Brom. Vydra can play as the main striker, but he has been most successful playing as a secondary striker. The forward can play as an attacking midfielder, and that is also one area where Rangers might need some firepower.
Vydra’s standout assets are his pace and finishing skills. The forward is a natural in and around the box, and he can be termed as a goal poacher. Moreover, he also can link up play and carry the ball. Hence, it is understandable why Vydra has emerged as the preferred option for the Gers at this stage of the season.
Vydra can also play on the right or left flank for Rangers often drifting inside into central areas and playing almost as an attacking midfielder. Hence, we feel that the former Derby County forward would be a decent addition and he can open up a few options for Gerrard.
