Exclusive: Rangers encouraged by Leicester in bid to sign Conor Coady
Rangers have been given encouragement in their efforts to sign Conor Coady as Leicester City are believed to be open to his sale.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what his sources have told him about the Foxes’ plans ahead of the summer transfer window.
Coady, 32, has entered the final year of his contract at the King Power Stadium and Leicester view him as a sellable asset as they aim to clear space in their squad.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 9 June that Rangers have enquired about Coady’s availability as they plan to bolster their defensive ranks.
Russell Martin is keen to add experience and leadership to his side following his appointment as the new Ibrox boss, while the centre-back is interested in the move.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed that new Rangers owners 49ers Enterprises are prepared to back Martin in the transfer window in an attempt to close the gap to Celtic.
Rangers plot Conor Coady swoop after Leicester exit latest
There is a growing feeling that Leicester will need to sell players following their relegation from the Premier League to balance the books and clear space in the squad.
Football Insider exclusively revealed last month that Leicester will be handed a six-point deduction after being charged with breaching profit and sustainability rules.
O’Rourke explained that Coady is set to be one of the names on their list of potential departures given his age and contract situation.
“I think he could be a smart signing by Russell Martin,” he told Football Insider.
“Conor Coady has a wealth of experience, he’s got leadership qualities, he’s been captain at Wolves and been captain at Leicester as well.
“He’s 32 now and I think with the player going into the final year of his contract, Leicester could be open to offers for him.
“Leicester, in all honesty, probably need to sell some players this summer following their relegation from the Premier League.
“If Conor Coady would be interested in a move up to Scotland, it would be a good signing for Rangers.
“Russell Martin will be looking to add experience and know-how to that team, and Coady offers lots of that.
“He’s a very experience player and somebody who isn’t just good on the pitch but off it as well with his leadership qualities.”
Nicolas Raskin update emerges amid £20million claim
It looks set to be a busy first transfer window for Martin following his appointment at Ibrox with both incoming and outgoing deals on the cards.
Football Insider revealed on 13 June that Rangers could accept £20million offers for Nicolas Raskin amid interest from the likes of Porto, Marseille and Fiorentina.
Sources say Martin is keen to keep his best players at Ibrox this summer, but is also aware the decision may be taken out of his hands.
This comes after Football Insider exclusively revealed in March that Leeds United could sign Raskin with help from 49ers Enterprises after their Ibrox takeover.
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