Rangers boss Gio van Bronckhorst has started his planning for the new season ahead of the Ibrox stars returning for pre-season later this month – and one reported Gers transfer target has apparently been deemed surplus to requirements at his current club.
West Brom defender Cedric Kipre was linked with a move to Ibrox last month and, according to The Athletic, Baggies boss Steve Bruce doesn’t see any future for him at the Hawthorns.
Rangers have seemingly kept tabs on Kipre since a stint at Motherwell, with Bruce’s appointment as West Brom boss earlier this season ending any involvement with the first-team for the defender.
As well as Rangers, Kipre has been linked with Norwich City and a number of clubs abroad as his time with West Brom looks certain to come to an end this summer.
However, with two years left on his contract with the Baggies, any transfer would likely cost a fee – with £1million reportedly the asking price.
Rangers move for Kipre seems less likely after new deal for Goldson
While Rangers may still be in the market for a defender this summer, the news of Connor Goldson’s new contract will have pushed it down the priority list for Gio and Ross Wilson.
The addition of John Souttar also makes it even less of a priority for Rangers this summer, although potential exits for the likes of Jack Simpson, Niko Katic and Fil Helander could open the door for new faces in the back line.
If Rangers do make a move for Kipre this summer, it’ll be one that the Light Blues makes sure they get the best deal possible and don’t end up paying over the odds for a player Bruce clearly doesn’t fancy.
However, much is likely to depend on what happens with others at Ibrox first as van Bronckhorst prepares for his first pre-season in charge of Rangers.