Rangers manager Michael Beale indirectly hinted that a move for Nottingham Forest defender Jonathan Panzo could be off as he assessed his Ibrox options.
The Rangers boss was speaking after the 2-1 pre-season friendly victory over HSV, with the club warming up for a series of tough Champions League qualifiers on the horizon.
The Ibrox manager was full of praise for his defensive options, with Michael Beale even hinting that Johnly Yfeko might be able to boost the left-sided centre-back options amid much reporting on Jonathan Panzo.
“We are possibly still in the market for another defender, but Johnly Yfeko has given me something to think about,” said Beale.
“Connor Goldson isn’t a million miles away, so if anything we’re a little bit overloaded there.
“But we’ve been looking to strengthen in every area. I wanted to raise the competition and make everyone feel pleasantly uneasy. I didn’t want anyone to feel comfortable here in fighting for their shirt.”
Michael Beale gives Jonathan Panzo food for thought
Jonathan Panzo, 22, has been strongly linked all summer long with strong reports of £2.5m interest in the centre-back as the club look for left-sided defensive options.
Couple this with Michael Beale having previously worked with the defender at Chelsea then a move for Jonathan Panzo, who spent last season on loan at Coventry City, looked a goer this summer.
But whilst there is nothing official to suggest that Rangers’ interest in the Nottingham Forest star has waned, the comments from Beale after the clash with HSV certainly make for intriguing listening.
Whilst Michael Beale certainly didn’t rule anything, it appears the club are well stocked at centre-back with Jonathan Panzo potentially competing with a number of names for a spot in the team.
Connor Goldson is close an injury return, Ben Davies looks set to continue this season, John Souttar looks to be a solid addition after a season of injuries and Leon Balogun has just been re-signed.
Add the positive injury news around Leon King and the emergence of Johnly Yfeko and suddenly there are doubts that Michael Beale actually needs Jonathan Panzo in the squad at all this season.
