In a follow up to PureFitbaw’s earlier piece. highlighting Liverpool players new Rangers manager Steven Gerrard could attempt to bring to Ibrox, Scott Rawlings casts the net a little wider and picks out more transfer targets.

Let us know at PureFitbaw on Twitter which of these is going to happen, which you would like to happen and who else you would suggest for the Glasgow club.

Connor Goldson:

The 25 year old defender currently at Brighton is relatively unknown to a lot of people but is another strong commanding defender. Goldson spent most of 2017 on the sidelines with a heart problem but made his premier league debut in December 2017 against Watford. Goldson has been mostly a bit part player since his return but when called upon has been a reliable and solid. Can also fill in at right back and centre midfield.

John McGinn:

The Hibs midfielder has been a standout for his team and in the league this year. McGinn has been the driving force behind what was an excellent season for Neil Lennon’s side, resulting in a fourth place finish and a spot in Europe next season. His steel and drive would make the midfielder an excellent addition for Rangers, providing plenty of goals and assists from the middle of the park. Despite his allegiance to Hibernian most fans would welcome McGinn’s ability into the team without a doubt.

Martin Skrtel:

A defender in the mould of Skrtel is exactly what Ranger’s fans have been crying out for. For the past few seasons at Ibrox a strong, no nonsense, commanding centre half has been badly missed, and in Skrtel they would be getting a player with these qualities in abundance. Gerrard played with Skrtel at Liverpool a number of times so he knows the talent and defensive ability that he has but the Slovakian’s transfer fee and wages could be a big issue but if they do manage to attract him over, he could prove to be an excellent buy and would add much needed quality to the squad.

 

 

Kyle Bartley:

Recruitments at the back is a must for Rangers and Bartley would be more than welcomed back to Ibrox after his spell in 2011/12, remembered by many fans for his early crunching tackle on Scott Brown during an old firm match. Bartley was injured for the majority of the season but an impressive campaign at Leeds in the previous season showed Bartley has the ability to improve the Rangers defence, bringing stability and strength to the table. If Gerrard wants to bring the Englishman back for a second spell he may well have to loosen the purse strings however.

Jermain Defoe:

Since Gerrard’s appointment Defoe has been heavily linked with the Ibrox side, whether he is affordable but is a different story. Much like Skrtel, Defoe would bring the type of experience and quality that is needed right now for Rangers. With Defoe out of contract a transfer fee is saved but his wages may prove to be the stumbling block. Fans would savour at the thought of having Defoe lead the line next season as he is a natural born finisher who knows exactly where the back of the net is.

 

Jack Marriott:

The Englishman is far from a household name but after banging in 33 goals in all competitions for Peterborough this season he would be a shrewd signing, bringing a different option to the Rangers frontline and he wouldn’t be too pricey either. At the age of only 23 Marriott has plenty of years ahead of him and at still a young age he certainly has potential and quite clearly knows his way to goal. The draw of signing for Rangers may be too much to resist if he is wanted by the club.

Dominic Solanke:

Gerrard may need to tap into his Liverpool contacts for this one, but a loan deal for the youngster could be a decent bit of business. After winning the U-20 2017 World Cup and receiving the Golden Ball award for best player at the same tournament Solanke moved from Chelsea to Liverpool that summer. Solanke has been limited to just a few first team appearances so a move up North to link up with Gerrard could be good to get some first team experience and would certainly bring some energy, pace and potential to Stevie G’s team.

Rhian Brewster:

The Liverpool starlet hasn’t yet made a first team appearance for Jurgen Klopp’s team but after winning the Golden Boot award and putting in some stellar performances at the 2017 Fifa U-17 World Cup the youngster has been hot on the lips of fans and pundits as the possible next big thing to come out of the Anfield ranks. A season at Ibrox could give Brewster the first team experience he needs to try and kick on to the next level and showcase his talents infront of a massive audience.

Oli McBurnie:

Another young talent who has this season proven that he has what it takes to bring some quality to Ibrox. Currently at Swansea, McBurnie spent the last half of the season on loan at Barnsley where he bagged 9 goals in 17 games and put in some excellent performances, leading him to win Barnsley’s player of the season award and also earning himself his first Scotland cap in March 2018. The Scotsman is known to have a soft spot for the Glasgow club and should an opportunity to join arise he could well be tempted to take it, after his time at Barnsley however, parent club Swansea may be after a fair bit of cash for him.

 

Brett Pitman:

Pitman is a pretty familiar name to most of football fans and has certainly been round the block at the age of 30. Wherever he has been however Pitman has always been a threat and has always bagged goals. His most recent season at Portsmouth in League One was perhaps his best season yet as he fired in 24 goals in 38 games. The forward would add some extra height to the team and offer a different threat going forward. Much like Marriott at Peterborough Rangers wouldn’t need to break the bank to get their man.

 

Now to a few outside bets that have been linked with a move to Ibrox since the new gaffer was appointed:

Lucas Leiva:

The Lazio midfielder would be an excellent addition at Ibrox. Lucas holds a wealth of experience and his dynamic style of play would add some much needed steel to the centre of park. After a solid first season in Italy his transfer fee and wages may be what prices Gerrard out of a move for his former team mate.

Fernando Torres:

Well, what a signing this would be(as unlikely as it). Torres and Gerrard had at dream partnership in Torres’ time at Anfield so when Gerrard was appointed and with Torres being out of contract it was almost inevitable that the Spaniard would be linked with a move to Scotland. Despite being past his prime Torres would bring great experience, desire and some serious finishing ability to the team and the possible thought of a strikeforce consisting of Defoe and Torres next season would have Rangers fans watering at the mouth.

 

Steven Gerrard certainly has a job on his hands this summer and will without a doubt need to be given the funds to turn this current Rangers squad around and build a squad capable of challenging Celtic next season. Again, let us know at PureFitbaw on Twitter which of these transfers is going to happen, which you would like to happen and who else you would suggest for the Glasgow club.