Rangers are set to assess Panathinaikos right-back Giannis Kotsiras as the club look to provide competition for Ibrox skipper James Tavernier.
That’s according to Glasgow World, who claim that Ibrox first-team coach Harry Watling will head to Athens to run the rule over the 30-year-old, who can also play in midfield.
Described as an “attack minded” right-back, the player certainly appears to be in the James Tavernier mould and might provide better competition for the Yorkshireman.
Interestingly, the report makes mention of the face that Giannis Kotsiras is contracted to Panathinaikos until 2024, with the player earmarked as a “future” signing.
Whether that means we move in the summer, or as his contract ticks down, the next few months will reveal all as Rangers look to make quality additions that can wrestle back the Premiership title.
Having earned two caps for the Greek national team, Giannis Kotsiras has spent his entire career in Greece, starting his career at Panaroadikos and Asteras Tripolis before moving to Panathinaikos.
Giannis Kotsiras tipped to challenge James Tavernier at Rangers
Whilst Rangers captain James Tavernier has been one of the club’s most influential players this season, ever since the £16m departure of Nathan Patterson there has been scarce competition at right-back.
Matuesz Zukowski is struggling for a game back on loan in Poland, whilst Adam Devine has been spirited when called upon but cannot get a sniff at the first team.
Rangers have an over-reliance on their captain who – at present – cannot come out of the side to be replaced with reliable backup and perhaps Giannis Kotsiras is the man to bulk out the Rangers squad.
Rangers boss Michael Beale has been clear that change is coming in the summer but there is some dubiety about how much when it comes to the underperforming Ibrox squad.
The Gers are 13 points behind in the Scottish Premiership and must beat Celtic at Hampden this weekend if they are to halt yet another Parkhead treble.
