First Gerrard player signing set to be announced by Rangers today - report
By Richard Parks
Martin Skrtel could be announced as Steven Gerrard's first Ranger signing at his unveiling today, according to a report.
The Scottish Sun claim the Glasgow giants will confirm Gerrard, 37, as their new manager on a three-year deal and centre-back Skrtel is in line to join him as a player-coach.
It is said that the Fenerbahce defender, 33, has been drafted in to join Gerrard's backroom staff and he will combine a playing role with coaching.
Football Insider verdict:
Skrtel was only linked with joining Rangers for the first time earlier today. Now, it appears that a deal is all but done. What a brilliant first signing he would be for Gerrard, who knows the giant centre-back inside out from their lengthy association at Liverpool. Some will claim that the 97-times Slovakia international is past it and another Bruno Alves. Not really. Alves was 36 when he joined and already spending more time in the treatment room than on the pitch. Skrtel is 33 and a warrior, whose ability to play through the pain barrier during his eight years at Liverpool was the stuff of legend. He is used to the pressure of playing for a big club and is proven at the highest level in British football. It is telling that he is willing to forego a final year on his Fenerbahce contract to pitch up at Ibrox. Skrtel would be a statement first signing, and it is a smart decision to seduce him with a player-coach role, offering a pathway for when his playing days end.