Back in December, Sky Sports reported that Rangers were tracking Tom Eaves.
However, no move materialised during the January window.
The Gillingham striker has scored goals consistently across the last two seasons, notching 38 in the League One alone over that time.
“The time has come to finally say goodbye to Gillingham Football Club,” Eaves wrote on Twitter. “I started the journey at this club always holding the ambition to play as high as I can, something ingrained in me since the beginning of my career. The opportunity to do so has now presented itself, one which wouldn’t have done so without the support of you, the fans.”
“I must start by saying a huge thank you to all of you for welcoming me with open arms and showing me the love and loyalty you have the past two seasons. You have truly reignited my love and passion for the game again!
“I just hope you understand my decision to move on.”
https://twitter.com/Tom_Eaves_/status/1148841277322121216
Shortly after this statement, it emerged that Eaves had joined Hull City on a three-year deal.
“Tom will be a great addition for us,’ said new Tigers manager Grant McCann, as quoted by BBC Sport. “He’s got a different dynamic to what we’ve got and brings something different to our forward line.”
Have Rangers missed out?
With the futures of both Kyle Lafferty and Ryan Hardie still up in the air, the Gers are looking a little light in forward areas.
They don’t possess a genuine target man, either. Standing at a well-built 6ft 5″, Eaves is a big physical presence and his record shows he has a good eye for goal. Add to it that he’s moved for free, and this looks a great signing for Hull and perhaps a missed opportunity for Rangers.
Having said that, with the Gers linked to the likes of Daniel Sturridge [Sunday Post] and Kemar Roofe [Scottish Sun], perhaps Gerrard eyeing up a higher calibre of striker. If the club could land either of those two goalscorers, it would send out a much bigger statement of intent than a swoop for Eaves.