‘Rangers set sights on agreeing Jamie Vardy deal – there will be movement this week’
Rangers have set their sights on agreeing a deal to sign Jamie Vardy on a free transfer following his departure from Leicester City.
That is according to former Man United chief scout and former Sir Alex Ferguson number two Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 38-year-old is open to the move.
Vardy is keen to remain playing at the top level amid interest from Premier League clubs, but the chance to play European football is believed to be a draw.
Meanwhile, there is a feeling that the Leicester legend’s availability on a free transfer would allow the Glasgow club to focus their financial power elsewhere.
This comes amid speculation about the futures of Cyriel Dessers and Hamza Igamane at Ibrox, with Russell Martin keen to land a new number nine.
Football Insider revealed on 2 June that Rangers are preparing to make multiple signings this summer with the backing of new owners 49ers Enterprises.
Rangers race Leeds United in move for Jamie Vardy
Brown told Football Insider in May that Leeds are considering a move for Vardy to resolve their striker issues, with his goalscoring prowess seen as a key asset.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that Rangers could persuade Vardy to join Martin’s side where he would thrive.
“Signing Jamie Vardy would be a good move for Rangers,” he told Football Insider.
“It’s a deal they’ve been looking into because they’re always keen to capitalise on any opportunities to sign top players on free transfers.
“I expect there will be a lot of movement this week with contracts expiring today [30 June].
“So it’s the type of deal they could benefit from with his experience and goalscoring ability.
“It’s one I expect Vardy would be open to as well, because it’s less intense than the Premier League which maybe at this stage of his career he isn’t best suited to.
“Plus, it would give him and opportunity to play in Europe so he’s still at a high level.
“He’s performed to a very good level for a number of years and now he’s maybe going over the top, so a move to Rangers would be a good opportunity.
“I think he’d fit in well and score plenty of goals, and that’s exactly what Russell Martin needs.
“Especially if they’re expecting to lose two of their current forwards.
“Then, because he would be on a free transfer, they can save some money which would then be put towards other areas of the team.”
Conor Coady update emerges at Ibrox
Alongside the addition of Vardy, Rangers are also plotting a move to sign his former Leicester teammate Conor Coady to bolster Martin’s defensive options.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 27 June that Rangers are in advanced talks to sign Coady and are hopeful of concluding the deal in the near future.
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.
This comes after Football Insider revealed on 15 June that Leicester are open to Coady’s exit and have given Rangers encouragement to agree a deal.
For more Rangers and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.