Birmingham and Middlesbrough were both interested in Rangers defender Jack Simpson, according to Mike McGrath of the Telegraph, but ultimately failed to pull off a deadline day deal.
Simpson has been with the Gers for a year following a move from Bournemouth, but things haven’t worked out for him so far at Ibrox.
He’s made only 12 first-team appearances, with a 90-minute outing at left-back against Stirling Albion on 21 January his first start in four months.
The 25-year-old has been heavily been linked with a move away from the club, with QPR and Middlesbrough amongst those credited with interest in recent weeks [Scottish Sun].
It was suggested that Simpson would be allowed to leave if a reasonable offer was made, but McGrath claims that although there was interest from Boro and their Championship rivals Birmingham right up until the final hours of the window, the Gers opted to hold onto the Englishman.
Simpson stays at Ibrox despite Birmingham and Boro interest
Some Rangers fans may be disappointed that the club didn’t move Simpson on in January given that he’s struggled during his time in Glasgow.
However, if there was no substantial offer on the table, it was probably wise of the club to hold onto the Cherries Academy graduate.
His continued presence gives Gio van Bronckhorst an emergency option at both centre-back and left-back for the second half of the season and Simpson’s contract situation means that the Gers should still be able to demand cash for him in future windows.
The defender is tied down until the summer of 2025 but it would be a major surprise if he isn’t moved on long before then.
Meanwhile, a former Rangers winger has officially returned to the SPFL.
