Rangers may well have been dealt a blow in their alleged pursuit of bluenose Barry Douglas, based on a Daily Mirror report.
The Lancashire Telegraph recently reported that both the Gers and Celtic were keen on the Scotland cap, who will be released by Leeds United at the end of the month.
Douglas is a self-confessed Rangers fan, which it’s reasonable to assume would give the Light Blues some kind of an advantage in the race for his signature.
However, the Daily Mirror reports that amid interest from England, Scotland, the US and Turkey, it’s Bristol City who are actually in pole position to triumph, with the player himself very keen on staying in the Championship.
It’s asserted that the Robins want him because of his experience and proven track record of winning promotion from the second-tier.
Douglas grew up ‘five minutes’ from Ibrox [‘Talking More Shutt’ on Leeds United Fan Hub YouTube] but it sounds as though the Gers may have their work cut out attempting to convince him to return to Glasgow.
Steven Gerrard currently has Borna Barisic and Calvin Bassey to choose from at left-back, with James Maxwell also an emerging talent in that position.
He could perhaps do with some more depth, though, given Bassey’s lack of experience, and the fact that Douglas is available on a free makes him particularly attractive.
However, the Gers boss may eventually have to look elsewhere if he wants to strengthen his options in that area of the pitch.
Meanwhile, a rapid Rangers player contracted until 2023 may face a make-or-break pre-season at Ibrox.