Rangers explore move to sign star who left Liverpool in 2023 amid Russell Martin update
Rangers are considering making moves to strengthen their squad despite the transfer window having closed last month with free agents on their radar.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has now emerged as a possibility for Russell Martin‘s side as he desperately aims to improve after a dismal start to the season.
The former Liverpool midfielder left Besiktas on a free transfer in August after two years at the club and has now been tipped to return to the top level.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Rangers see the 32-year-old as a potential option to play both in the middle and out wide.
Sources say the deal is seen as “very attractive” for a number of clubs across British football with his future yet to be decided after leaving Turkey.
Rangers join race to sign Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Football Insider revealed on 5 September that Oxlade-Chamberlain is eyeing a return to English football, and Rangers are the latest club to show an interest.
The former England international left Liverpool to join Besiktas in 2023 and made 50 appearances before being frozen out of the first-team squad and eventually released.
Leeds and Birmingham City are among the admirers of Oxalde-Chamberlain, while his experience at the highest level is seen as a huge asset.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “He’s one of the better frees still out there, Oxlade-Chamberlain, there’s no getting away from that.
“He’d bring a wealth of experience to any new club, having played at the highest level for Arsenal, Liverpool and England and he has a great pedigree.
“He’s now left Besiktas on a free, and with Rangers trying to strengthen in that midfield area, Oxlade-Chamberlain would tick a lot of boxes.
“His versatility would be an attractive thing to Rangers, because he can play centrally but also play out wide if needed and the fact he’s available for free makes him a very attractive option.
“There have been a few concerns in Rangers’ midfield in the first few weeks of the season and results haven’t been good, so Russell Martin might be keen to add to his options.
“But there are a number of clubs who are looking at Oxlade-Chamberlain due to his availability.”
With no wins after five games in the Scottish Premiership, Martin is determined to find a solution, and continued issues in midfield could open space for a free transfer.
Russell Martin facing midfield concerns after Nicolas Raskin latest
Rangers’ midfield concerns partly stem from speculation about the future of Nicolas Raskin, who was widely linked with a move away during the summer.
Football Insider revealed on 13 September that Raskin could quit Rangers in January is he is not reintegrated into the first-team plans after being left out again.
Sources say the Belgium international is keen to fight for his place in the side under Martin, but could leave should he prove unable to win back the boss’ favour.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider in May that Raskin was wanted by Premier League clubs alongside European giants.
Martin has since revealed the midfielder had been unsettled by the interest during the transfer window and had his head turned by a potential exit.
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