Should they knock Rangers out on Thursday night, FC Ufa’s manager has identified three Gers players he wants.
Rangers lead the tie 1-0 thanks to Connor Goldson’s first-leg strike at Ibrox.
Steven Gerrard’s men now travel to Russia looking to avoid a two-goal defeat and seal a place in the Europa League group stages. It would be the first time Rangers have competed in the groups of a major European competition since 2010.
However, Sergei Tomorov, Ufa’s manager, has gone on record with the players he would like to sign from Gerrard’s squad.
Russian spy
Many in Scotland had never heard of the Russian side before Rangers drew them in the competition. Yet it appears Tomorov knows plenty about this new-look Gers team and the individual players.
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Ahead of what is sure to be a nervy encounter in Russia, Tomorov stated the three players he would love to sign before the transfer window closed.
Rangers have many fine footballers. I really liked Alfredo Morelos up front, Connor Goldson in the centre of defence and the captain James Tavernier at right-back. However, time isn’t on our side. There isn’t too much time to buy players because the transfer deadline is very soon.
The chances of any of these players leaving the club are minimal, regardless of the interest.
It appears as though Tomorov was slightly tongue-in-cheek with regards to the prospect of actually signing up Gerrard’s stars.
Goldson netted the winner last week, and only joined from Brighton in the summer. He has been mightily impressive in his early days in a Rangers jersey.
Captain Tav
James Tavernier has become club captain this season, and is another who seems to be thriving in his new role. The right-back can sometimes be a bit laboured defensively, but he is such a big asset for the Gers going forward.
Finally, Morelos is fresh off an international call-up with Colombia. The young forward has consistently reiterated how much he enjoys life in Glasgow, and Gerrard is highly unlikely to sell.
Whilst Rangers fans won’t want any of their top stars to leave, it’s always good to hear opposition praising your team.
Supporters, however, will be hoping Gerrard’s men can simply dispose of Ufa and get into lucrative group stages.