Multiple reports seem to have Steven Gerrard strongly linked with out-of-favour Everton man Kieran Dowell.
The attacker has been lacking opportunities at Goodison Park under Marco Silva, and is interested in a January loan elsewhere. Gerrard has been impressed with the Englishman, who he’s scouted before.
The Rangers manager had an up-close view of Dowell when England Under-21s beat Scotland at Tynecastle this season. Dowell netted in that contest, and looks set to speak with Everton manager Marco Silva about his future.
Gerrard of course has been craving a number 10 for several months now. Scott Arfield has since been doing the business, and it was perhaps thought that his performances would’ve made Gerrard change his mind on signing a new number 10. That doesn’t appear to be the case however, with Dowell strongly interesting the club.
Arfield is suspended for the next two matches, and Rangers have an issue there. The Ibrox side are without a recognised number 10, with Ovie Ejaria likely to push forward and play there for the first time this season.
Who is Kieran Dowell?
Dowell is simply a frozen out young Everton star desperate for game-time. He’s only made two appearances this season, with Gylfi Sigurdsson ahead of him in the pecking order in Merseyside.
This season, Dowell has only made the matchday squad on three occasions in the Premier League. He hasn’t been a part of any of the last nine matchday squads in the league for the first team.
He has, however, featured in both Carabao Cup matches for the club this term. He’s yet to make a Premier League appearance for the club this season, however.
His pedigree mainly comes from a highly-successful stint with Nottingham Forest last season. Aitor Karanka labelled him a “fantastic player”, as he made a stunning 38 appearances and bagged a cool nine goals and four assists.
Signing up the Englishman would certainly give Gerrard that cover he needs. What it would be, however, is just another loan signing that Rangers would have to replace in the summer.
Rangers already have Ryan Kent, Ovie Ejaria, Umar Sadiq, Joe Worrall, and Lassana Coulibaly on loan this season. Could Dowell be next?