McLeish tells Rangers to sign new Barry Ferguson in Jan after £5m transfer reveal
Alex McLeish has told Rangers to sign a new “Barry Ferguson” with their limited transfer funds in January.
The former Ibrox boss, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested Giovanni van Bronckhorst could do with an attack-minded box-to-box midfielder in his ranks.
As detailed by Football Insider’s finance expert Kieran Maguire last Saturday, (20th November), Rangers could spend £5-6million in the winter window and remain within financial fair play limits.
Rangers already have a host of midfielders on their books, including summer signings Juninho Bacuna and John Lundstram.
However, McLeish suggested Van Bronckhorst would “relish” having a natural box-to-box midfielder in his side.
Asked where Rangers should look to strengthen in January, McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “A player of the Barry Ferguson kind of style.
“Being able to take the ball in midfield, being able to press forward. I know Steven Davis has got those capabilities but he’s 36 now.
“You’re looking for somebody in the style of Davis or Barry Ferguson. Barry was probably more of a box-to-box midfielder.
“He could take the ball in any area of the pitch, in any stadium in the world. That’s the type of player that I think Giovanni would relish as well, if he has not already found him within Ibrox.”
Davis has been a mainstay for Rangers this season, with 20 appearances under his belt already.
Van Bronckhorst named the Northern Ireland legend in his first starting XI for Thursday’s 2-0 win over Sparta Prague.
The Gers also have Glen Kamara, Ryan Jack, Joe Aribo and Scott Arfield to call on in central midfield.
In other news, McLeish predicts Rangers stars fuming with teammate in Ibrox dressing room.