Rangers could have done with being able to add a player or two for the squad that will travel to Old Trafford and to face Man Utd.
Philippe Clement will have to go with what he’s got though with the manager unlikely to be too enamoured about the Europa League restrictions despite the fixtures continuing through a transfer window.
Rafael Fernandes has been signed with Rangers in the middle of a centre-half crisis as a report from Bosnia suggesting that Nikola Katic could be next.
Zurich resigned to losing Nikola Katic amid Rangers speculation
Addressing a specific question about the speculation linking Katic to a return and ‘contact’ with Rangers to Ibrox, FC Zurich sporting director Milos Malenovic is resigned to letting the six-times capped international defender leave:
“I think that is completely understandable. It is true that we are not the final destination for many players in Switzerland,” a frustrated Malenovic mused.
“I think that is also logical. We promised him (Katic) in the summer that he would have a chance of moving in the winter rather than in the summer.”
Zurich manager Ricardo Moniz has since hinted that Katic is waiting for something in particular, via Reprezentacija:
“He is very picky. He has one drawback, his time is running out, and he doesn’t train.”
Katic has made no secret of his desire to return to Rangers, could a deal be in the pipeline?
The problem against Man Utd is short term in that both Robin Propper and Leon Balogun have only just returned to training, Clinton Nsiala is ineligible and Fernandes isn’t in any condition to play or eligible for the squad either.
Add this to John Souttar’s long-term injury and Neraysho Kasanwirjo returning to Feyenoord and Clement doesn’t have a single fully fit central defender other than Leon King, and he has spent most of his time over the last two years playing in midfield.
Who would Katic replace if he signed for Rangers?
Should Rangers go for Katic, given his style of play, he would be an obvious replacement for the ageing Balogun.
He is one player who has never been questioned in terms of quality, unfortunately, his body isn’t quite as resilient as it once was.
Other than the veteran Nigeria international, Rangers don’t really have a physical presence in either box when he isn’t available.
Fernandes does have a similar profile in terms of physical appearance and style, however, centre-half is a position where experience can sometimes be a greater asset than pace or ability.
Katic has barely missed a game since leaving Rangers and could be a valued member of the squad once again, even if his return might be a week or two too late.
