Rangers face a fight with West Ham in the pursuit of Ronnie Edwards after the proposed £30m transfer of Manchester United star Harry Haguire collapsed.
According to BBC Sport, David Moyes’ Hammers side are now looking at “alternatives” despite the fact they agreed a fee over the much-criticised ex-Old Trafford captain weeks ago.
Despite Maguire’s camp initially showing interest in the most to East London, the sounds around the deal have quietened in recent weeks and West Ham aren’t waiting around to reinforce their defence.
With the BBC later reporting Harry Maguire is to fight for his place at Manchester United, the news comes as West Ham are linked with a move for Peterborough defender Ronnie Edwards.
Harry Maguire West Ham move off, Ronnie Edwards linked
According to another report in the BBC, Rangers join West Ham and Bournemouth in pursuing the League One side’s highly-rated England youth international.
MORE RANGERS STORIES
Rangers boss Michael Beale has previously been clear that the club will look to strengthen at centre-back should the right player become available at the right price.
However, there are some doubts surrounding Rangers’ negotiating position in any Ronnie Edwards move.
Notoriously stubborn Peterborough have already suggested that they will demand the sort of Premier League millions West Ham and Bournemouth are better placed to spend.
With West Ham’s move for their primary centre-back target Harry Maguire collapsing in recent days, the club now has the financial freedom to go and spend on Ronnie Edwards.
But whether or not the West Ham faithful would be pacified with such an inexperienced option being brought into the competitive Premier League remains to be seen.
Ronnie Edwards, 20, is contracted to Peterborough until 2025 with the England U20s World Cup star already making 91 appearances for the EFL side.
Rangers have been linked to a host of defensive options this summer with Michael Beale cooling reports surrounding both Harry Souttar and Zak Vyner in recent weeks.
But with questions surrounding another long-term target still unanswered, Rangers fans may well be tempted to connect the dots.