Rangers can now sign an ideal replacement for Ryan Kent following an interesting development in the career of Ryan Fraser at Newcastle.
What’s the story?
Well, Rangers fans will be aware that Kent’s contract at Ibrox expires at the end of the season.
According to the Scottish Sun, talks over a renewal have been put on ice to allow the Rangers No.14 to focus on his football, although there is a real chance that he could leave Glasgow this summer.
If that does happen, then it would now seem as if a move for Fraser – who has won 25 caps for Scotland – is fairly straightforward to complete.
The 29-year-old has been demoted to the Under-21 squad at Newcastle by Eddie Howe following a fallout.
Earlier on Friday, the 45-year-old revealed that Fraser does not have a future at St James’ Park as things stand.
The Shields Gazette quote Howe as saying: “Ryan’s training with the Under-21s. I made the decision to concentrate on players that are committed to Newcastle. For the benefit of the group, I’ve made that call. I’d say at the moment, no he doesn’t (have a future at Newcastle.”
Therefore – barring any shock turnarounds between now and the end of the season – it would seem that Fraser is heading out of Newcastle this summer.
Rangers must take advantage of Fraser situation
Even if Kent does stay at Ibrox, Michael Beale should look to take advantage of Fraser’s availability.
The Newcastle No.21 has proven himself capable of making an impact at the highest level, with the Sunday Mirror even claiming that Arsenal wanted him in 2020 after he scored seven goals and provided 14 assists in the 2018/19 campaign.
Of course, one sticking point could be the fact Fraser used to play for Aberdeen – who are not fond of Rangers and vice versa – although Howe has previously described the winger as a “passionate Scot” so he may be keen on a return to his homeland.
Regardless of Kent staying or going, Beale and Ross Wilson must explore this opportunity.
