Steven Gerrard was quick to pour cold water over reports Rangers were set to move for Rennes centre back Mexer [Rangers.co.uk].
And by the looks of things he put the fire out just in time. The big defender has gone on to sign a pre-contract with Bordeaux. Perhaps he prefers the fine wine and sun of southern France to the tonic wine and driving rain of Glasgow.
Either way, it appears the multitude of reports didn’t see the move coming, even if one journalist apparently did. And whilst any excitement over the Mozambique-y Pique was short-lived, Rangers will now move on. Here are three defensive reinforcements we’ve been linked to going into next season.
Vassilis Lambropoulos – AEK Athens
A Greek titan of a centre half who already knows how it feels to break Celtic hearts. Vassilis Lambropoulos was first linked to Ibrox back in January [SDNA]. Available on a free, the fact he hasn’t signed a new deal means he’s been exiled to the AEK Athens bench. Is this Champions League centre half still on the club’s radar?
John Souttar – Hearts
A player closer to home and one perhaps a little less refined than 29-year-old Lambropoulous and 30-year-old Mexer. Souttar is still young at 22 but he is one of the Scottish international team’s finest young defensive prospects. Craig Levein might not like it, but Rangers are reportedly considering a bid.
Axel Tuanzebe – Manchester United (on-loan at Aston Villa)
Manchester United’s young defender has spent the season in the Championship with Aston Villa, and with a year remaining on his deal has a big decision to make in the summer. Whether he is either sold on or tied down on a new deal, Rangers are rumoured to be monitoring his situation [Four Lads Had a Dream].
