Sources: Rangers to revisit Casper Widell deal as as door 'open' for move

Rangers are planning to revisit their pursuit of Excelsior centre-back Casper Widell in January, sources have told Football Insider.

The 23-year-old saw a move to Ibrox blocked by John Souttar's failed exit during the summer window, but he remains on the Gers' radar.

Derek McInnes is hoping to bolster his squad with the addition of a new centre-back this winter, and Widell is a player who has been on the club's radar for several seasons

Sources say that the player "hasn't closed the door" on a move to Rangers, and would be willing to consider it again once January comes around.

Widell is out of contract with Excelsior next summer, with the Eredivisie side now approaching their final chance to cash in on him.

The defender has already started in six Eredivisie games so far in 2026-27, having missed just six minutes of the entire league campaign last term.

Rangers working on Casper Widell block

Souttar's failed move to AEK Athens prevented Widell from joining Rangers in the summer, but that is unlikely to be their final attempt to sign him.

The Glasgow giants have already frozen Souttar out of the squad, and are still working to find a solution for him to leave the club this winter.

If they can secure the 29-year-old's exit, then they intend to turn to Widell once again as his contract nears its conclusion.

The Swedish star has been a key performer for Excelsior in recent years, and is someone who Rangers have been tracking for a prolonged period.

Widell recently admitted that he came very close to moving to Ibrox in the summer, and with all parties still open to that deal, it could be January when it comes to fruition.

Rangers eye Aribim Pepple

Football Insider revealed last weekend that Rangers are still keeping tabs on Plymouth Argyle striker Aribim Pepple ahead of January.

The 23-year-old has notched four goals from just nine games in the English League One this term, having ended the campaign with 18 in all competitions last time out.

However, Rangers late summer move for Kevin Kelsy has pushed their need for a new striker down their list of priorities, and it is unlikely to be addressed in January.

Nevertheless, they are continuing to track Pepple's progress at Plymouth, with a view to potentially making a move in future windows.