Yesterday, reports from Sky Sports News suggested that Rangers are interested in signing Gillingham striker, Tom Eaves.
It is safe to say that that news is underwhelming for Rangers fans. The club have been linked to much bigger names such as Dominic Solanke in recent weeks, so a budget move for a League One player doesn’t exactly set the pulses racing.
Disappointment aside, the question must be asked as to whether or not he would improve Rangers’ attacking options.
Firstly, although League One may not be the calibre of league the fans would like Rangers to be shopping in, it isn’t a bad standard of football. That Eaves is top of the division’s scoring charts, with 13 goals in 21 appearances, is a good sign.
This constitutes a very good return, especially from within a team currently wallowing in 16th position. His 17 goals last season, also show there is some consistency to his scoring exploits.
At 6ft 3′, he clearly carries a significant aerial threat too. Therefore, there are certainly positives to be found in his stats.
What are Rangers really looking for?
Eaves doesn’t have the kind of pedigree that would challenge Alfredo Morelos for a starting shirt, nor an in-form Kyle Lafferty.
However, he should be a strong enough third-choice option to look to for impact in an emergency such as at Dundee on Sunday.
He may not be a marquee signing, but will he offer more than Umar Sadiq as third choice striker? Almost certainly.
If there are few other options and Eaves is going for as little as has been suggested, he represents a solid, low-risk option for the Gers, this January.