Despite a fierce fight for months, Rangers eventually gave up the title race following a series of disastrous outcomes. The Bears failed to turn up since the winter break and must prepare now for the upcoming campaign to spoil Celtic’s ‘ten in a row’ party.
Meanwhile, they have received a setback on one of their reported transfer targets as Stoke City, the Championship strugglers, have shifted their focus on Livingston hotshot Lyndon Dykes as reported by The Scottish Sun. The 24-year-old Australian was in Rangers’ radar in the winter transfer window before they eventually moved for Hibernian’s Florian Kamberi for the remainder of the ongoing term.
While it is still unclear whether Kamberi’s move would be made permanent before next season, the Gers might see Alfredo Morelos leaving the club amid interest from several high-profile outfits. According to Goal’s Spanish outlet, the Glasgow giants are already in the market for an able replacement and Dykes, considering his form and fitness, would be an exciting piece of transfer business.
Why Stoke City Have Jumped In
The Potters have been after Aberdeen’s Sam Cosgrove for months in an attempt to bolster their attacking line. However, the Dons are now demanding a high asking fee for their prized asset and Stoke boss Michael O’Neill, therefore, has identified the in-form marksman as a cheaper alternative.
The Light Blues would be boosted financially following the departure of Morelos, but an interest down south could be too enticing to ignore. Stoke have recovered from a rough run of form since O’Neill’s arrival and are likely to push for a Premier League return next season with Dykes occupying the ‘number 9’ role.
Why Rangers Need Reinforcements High Up The Pitch
With Jermain Defoe turning 38 later this year, Steven Gerrard must consider significant restructuring with quality recruitment. Dykes has fired in 12 goals and assisted ten times in 33 appearances altogether (stats via Transfermarket) before the suspension of the game in the wake of the Coronavirus outbreak and impressed with his goal-scoring ability, work ethics as well as speed and swift footwork to cause menace in the opponents’ defensive half.
The Aussie-born centre-forward is also eligible to represent Scotland, and the form he is in has led to speculations over his immediate future. Rangers might not have reignited their interest yet, but the Potters’ intervention must be viewed as a wake-up call if they are still keen on the Livi sensation.
