Rangers are once again showing their mettle in the transfer window as they have wrapped up deals for Steven Davis and Jermain Defoe. To go with that, they have also secured the signature of Jordan Jones and Glen Kamara for next season. The Bears are currently being linked with a move for Portsmouth defender Jack Whatmough, and according to The Sun, both Celtic and Rangers are currently leading the race to sign the centre back.
Aberdeen are also said to be in the mix for the signature of Whatmough, but the reports clearly state that the race is between Celtic and Rangers. The Bears have done well to stay up to pace with the Hoops as they sit level on points, having played a game more. However, they need to add quality players so that they can continue challenging their rivals in the second half of the season.
Rangers made wholesale changes to their backline, and they have improved leaps and bounds from last season. However, one shouldn’t forget that Gareth McAuley and Joe Worrall are only going to be at Ibrox until the end of this season, so there is a case to be made regarding signing a centre back in this window.
Whatmough has played a significant role in the heart of Portsmouth’s defence as they sit on top of the table in League One and are well placed to move to the Championship. The 22-year-old is also a former England u-19 international and is currently in the last six months of his contract with the Pompey.
A contract situation like that is never ideal, and that leaves the door wide open for other clubs to jump in and sign the player. Whatmough can open up pre-contract talks with other clubs and therefore, he can move away after the end of this season. The defender has played 25 games in all competitions and is one of the primary reasons why his side have a tight defence.
Rangers might not need a centre back immediately but they can definitely make a move for this English defender. For this season (if Rangers sign him), he can get used to the league and style of play and could be ready to play the leading role from next season. However, the Pompey would be keen to hold on to him given that they are looking to move to the Championship so signing him this month could be tough.
Whatmough has decent defensive and on the ball abilities which should make him an exciting prospect and it remains to be seen whether the Gers would be able to beat their Old Firm rivals for his signature.
