Three players Sean Dyche could sign as Rangers manager including £20m playmaker
Sean Dyche is in the running to become the new Rangers manager following the sacking of Russell Martin after a horrific spell in charge.
Sources told Football Insider on 6 October that Dyche is one of the frontrunners to become the new Rangers manager.
Backing this up, Premier League legend Matt Le Tissier exclusively told Football Insider that Dyche could beat Steven Gerrard to the Rangers job given the latter’s financial situation possibly restricting him from joining until January 2026.
Whilst Rangers are expected to take their time selecting the new manager, time is of the essence to appoint a new boss before the end of the international break.
With that in mind, here are three players that could join the former Burnley boss at the Ibrox if he was to get the vacant job.
Michael Keane
The centre-back is extremely familiar with Dyche following extensive spells working under him with both the Clarets and at Everton.
The ex-Watford boss oversaw the Englishman’s development at Turf Moor during his 10-year reign.
Following an initial loan spell in the 2014-15 Premier League relegation season, Michael Keane quickly became an integral part of Dyche’s backline.
The Man United academy graduate was imperative in ensuring the Clarets remained defensively assured at the back and helped the club bounce back to the English top-flight straight away before eventually being reunited with his former manager at Goodison Park in January 2023.
At Ibrox, the Gers have been struggling at the back and have conceded seven goals in seven Scottish Premiership matches.
Moreover, the 32-year-old is out of contract in the summer and, with Jarrad Branthwaite nearing a return, it won’t be long until the centre-back will be dropped from the starting XI once again under David Moyes.
Dwight McNeil
Another favourite under the ex-Toffees manager, Dwight McNeil excelled at Burnley with his guidance and support.
The 25-year-old was brought through the Clarets youth set-up and was given a breakout role under Dyche to kickstart his career.
Over four full seasons at Turf Moor, the Englishman earned the trust and plaudits of his gaffer as he rose to one of the first names on the teamsheet, characterised by his pinpoint crossing.
The number seven eventually headed to Goodison Park in the summer of 2022 where he was reunited with his former manager just four months later.
The ex-Watford boss once again favoured McNeil to lead his attack which led to positive output in the form of goals and assists in Everton’s relegation fight.
In his final season in charge, Dyche even moved the Englishman into an attacking-midfield role to become the focal point of everything the Toffees would do in front of goal.
In contrast, under Moyes, McNeil – who cost Everton £20m – has been unable to force his way into the first-team, given the array of attacking talent with the likes of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye.
Financial pressures on Merseyside and the number seven’s contract expiring at the end of the 2026-27 season could see Everton forced to sell him in January, and reuniting with his former boss could revive his career.
Ben Mee
A dream Ben Mee and Keane defensive reunion under Dyche could be on the cards at the Ibrox.
The 36-year-old was one of Burnley’s most dependable men and thrived under the leadership of the ex-Toffees manager.
During 10 years at Turf Moor, the Englishman constructed a dogged partnership with the likes of James Tarkowski and Keane, which gave the Clarets a desirable reputation as one of the best defences in the land.
The Man City academy graduate left the club in 2022 and has recently joined Sheffield United after three seasons with Brentford in the Premier League.
| Ben Mee 2015-16 Burnley Championship season under Sean Dyche | Stat |
| Appearances | 41 |
| Minutes played | 3,678 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Clean sheets | 18 |
| Aerial Duels won | 175 |
| Interceptions | 105 |
| Dribbled past | 13 |
Developments of the chaos at Bramall Lane suggest that the centre-back will be kicking himself that he signed a one-year deal, with the possibility of heading to Glasgow with his former manager now on the cards.
Should the 54-year-old get the Gers job, the club may bide their time to bring in the experienced defender next summer on a free, providing the Blades do not exercise the option to extend his contract.
If the Rangers hierarchy are looking for defensive solidity, then they should look no further than acquiring the services of Mee to bolster Dyche’s prospective defence.