The Daily Record reports that Rangers are weighing up a move for James Lawrence.
The 6ft 2″ centre-back is a Wales international, recently given opportunities by Ryan Giggs.
He’s started the last three internationals at the back despite having relatively little experience at that level.
For a player born in the UK, his club career makes for unusual reading.
Lawrence made his senior debut for AS Trencin in Slovakia, where he won multiple honours across a four-year stint. Then, last summer, he switched to Belgian giants Anderlecht, turning out 23 times in the league across 2018/19.
At 26, he should be reaching his prime. However, it’s suggested he faces an uncertain future at Anderlecht after the return of Vincent Kompany in a player/coach capacity.
He’s contracted until at least 2021 [Transfermarkt], though, and the Record claim it could cost around £3 million to bring him to Ibrox.
Championship sides Swansea and Stoke are also said to be interested.
Verdict
Lawrence has had an interesting career so far at club level. Anderlecht are a big club, though and he’s used to competing for and winning silverware from his spell at Trencin.
Ryan Giggs clearly rates him, too. He preferred the 26-year-old to Ashley Williams for several recent Euro 2020 Qualifiers.
If Lawrence is a top target, the Gers must move quickly. With pre-season starting this week and the Europa League now less than a month away, time is of the essence.
The squad is short of cover at centre-back and with his credentials, it sounds as though the Welshman would keep Nikola Katic and Connor Goldson on their toes.
