Rangers have been linked with a surprise January move for out-of-contract Livingston left-back James Penrice.
Rangers have been strongly linked with a string of left-back options in this window amid much speculation surrounding Galatasaray interest in Ridvan Yilmaz.
A move for reported number one left-back target Jefte – Fluminense’s 20-year-old Brazilian option – has been shelved until the summer amid a dispute with loan club APOEL Nicosia.
Now, Rangers have been linked to a Scottish Premiership option in James Penrice in transfer reports which will surely turn heads at Ibrox.
Rangers linked to James Penrice
HITC claim that Rangers are considering a late January move for James Penrice, with the 25-year-old left-back out of contract at the end of the season.
Both Hearts and Hibs – who have been extensively mentioned as potential suitors in the press – are also said to be interested in securing a January deal.
The report also claims that a number of English Championship clubs have expressed an interest in Penrice, who is free to discuss terms elsewhere.
HITC suggest that James Penrice is viewed as a cut-price left-back option by the Ibrox side, who could also be used to boost the club’s homegrown quota in Europe.
Ridvan Yilmaz was of course not included in the club’s Europa League squad in the first half of this season due to issues with homegrown registration rules.
Livingston boss claims left-back going nowhere
Whilst the links might be initially a little underwhelming to Rangers supporters, James Penrice is a very experienced campaigner in the Scottish game.
Having made 115 appearances with Partick Thistle, the defender has gone on to make over 100 again for Livingston and is viewed as a talented and dependable option.
Livingston manager Davie Martindale has been talking about the situation with James Penrice in the press and claims the left-back won’t be short of offers in the summer.
The Livingston manager has also claimed that the defender won’t be leaving the Tony Macaroni in this window.
“I think James is going to have a few options in the summer,” said Martindale. “I think he’s been one of our stand-out players this season, in a poor season.
“I think he could go and play at a much higher level and he’ll have options in the summer.
“That’s kind of where we are. He’s not leaving Livingston in this window. The best solution for all parties would maybe be a pre-contract elsewhere and a transfer and loan back to Livingston to secure his services for that club but that looks as though it might not happen.”
The situation with Jefte has cast doubts over those Galatasaray Ridvan Yilmaz links whilst Borna Barisic is Rangers’ other option at left-back.
