Rangers could be in for a busy summer with activity both on and off the pitch likely to fill the back pages.
Dave King has confirmed how close the 49ers Enterprises takeover is, and the club’s leading shareholder is as good a source as there could be.
The appointment of Kevin Thelwell as sporting director means that there is a football expert on the board who can work with Nils Koppen and provide an extra pair of eyes when assessing potential targets.
Having previously worked with New York Red Bulls, Wolves and Everton, his contact book and list of players to watch should be an extensive one.
The first name to emerge since his appointment is Kevin Boma of Estoril who Rangers are expected to make an offer for according to Foot Mercato, but what type of player is the towering centre-half?
Rangers linked with Kevin Boma
It is no surprise that someone built like Boma is good in the air.
At 6ft 4inches tall, the Togo international has a similar appearance to Filip Helander in terms of stature, however, the 22-year old has more athleticism and pace than the big Swede.
The profile of player that Rangers need is Leon Balogun, after every big game that the veteran plays, the recurring theme is that he remains the club’s best defender.
If only he was 10 years younger.
Balogun shouldn’t still be relied upon as often as he is to the extent that when he has been fit, he has played.
Who does Boma compare to?
Using Data MB’s comparison model, the most recognisable name in terms of style of play is former Celtic centre-half Christopher Julien.
Signed for £7m, the French stopper was a dominant figure in Celtic’s defence until he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear in his knee and never fully recovered.
He was tall, athletic, pacey and a threat in both boxes, exactly what Rangers have been missing.
With midfielders and full-backs in front of him, he didn’t need to be Ronald Koeman or Virgil van Dijk on the ball.
Boma would cost in the region of £5m, but the value of a defender that can protect his goalkeeper is priceless.
