Rangers set sights on ‘quality’ free agent signing after King green light – Ibrox sources
By Wayne Veysey
Rangers are still in the market for an out-of-window signing despite the departure of recruitment chief Mark Allen, Football Insider understands.
The Light Blues have had an approach for Juventus legend Claudio Marchisio, 33, knocked back but have not given up hope of adding to their ranks even though the Scottish window shut at the start of this month.
Ibrox sources have told Football Insider that the club remain on the look-out for “quality” players with the pedigree to slot straight into the starting XI of Steven Gerrard’s side.
Dave King and the Rangers board have given the green light to another signing as the club turn their attention to the free agent market.
The window has shut for signing players contracted to other clubs until January, but Rangers are able to concentrate on proven performers who are without a team.
Marchisio was among those after leaving Zenit St Petersburg this summer but his wage demands put him out of reach for the Glasgow club.
Rangers have overhauled their squad by recruiting 11 new players during the recent window, including the deadline-day capture of Ryan Kent from Liverpool in a deal worth a potential £7.5million.
Rangers had their biggest summer spend in nearly a decade, with the blockbuster Kent signing supplemented by the captures of centre-backs Filip Helander for £3.5million and George Edmundson for £700,000 plus add-ons, as well as significant compensation fees for wing trio Brandon Barker, Jordan Jones and Jake Hastie.
In addition, Greg Stewart, Joe Aribo and Steven Davis were signed on free transfers, while Sheyi Ojo and Andy King were brought in on loan from Liverpool and Leicester City respectively.
In other Rangers news, Alan Hutton claims an Ibrox youngster is heading for Premier League after sensational £45million fee/wages offer.