'Rangers to make Fosu-Mensah transfer decision - he could go straight into XI'

Rangers will assess Timothy Fosu-Mensah's fitness before deciding whether to bring him in on a free transfer following his departure from Bayer Leverkusen.

That is according to former Man United chief scout and Sir Alex Ferguson number two Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the move for the 27-year-old will depend on whether he can prove his fitness.

This comes after reports claimed Rangers have been offered the chance to sign the versatile defender as a free agent amid their ongoing defensive issues.

Philippe Clement's side are missing Dujon Sterling, John Souttar, Leon Balogun and Ridvan Yilmaz through injuries and are assessing the market to find cover.

Fosu-Mensah has been training with Ajax in recent weeks after leaving Bayer Leverkusen upon the expiry of his contract with the Bundesliga outfit in July.

Football Insider revealed earlier this month that Rangers are "desperate" to sign a new centre-back this month, but any deal would have to suit them financially.

However, there are concerns about the Dutchman's fitness after he suffered with a serious knee injury last season which contributed to his departure from Leverkusen.

Rangers to assess Timothy Fosu-Mensah fitness after Ajax training

Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson previously told Football Insider that concerns have been raised by Fosu-Mensah's lack of activity since leaving Leverkusen.

Now, Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted that

"Rangers have to assess him and decide where they think he is with his fitness," he told Football Insider.

"He hasn't played at all this season, and that's an issue that has to be resolved.

"He's a talented player, and his availability on a free will no doubt be of interest to Rangers.

"They've had their own issues in terms of injuries at the back and they obviously want to add a new player to give the manager another option depth-wise.

"But if he's not fit enough to come straight into the side, what would be the point?

"They'll have to make their own assessments of his fitness and if they think he's ready to come in, they could do that one.

"It will all depend on whether he's capable of playing first-team football at this stage."

In other news, Rangers make Tom Lawrence transfer decision.

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