Rangers will back boss Michael Beale’s plans to sign a new No1 goalkeeper over the summer transfer window. But Ibrox chiefs must rival Premier League clubs to get Freddie Woodman.
That is according to Dean Jones, who reports that the Gers will award Beale the budget that he needs to replace Allan McGregor. The Glasgow giants accept they must strengthen in the position. They will also allow the 42-year-old to sign a new shot-stopper who he deems best.
McGregor is out of contract at the end of this season but the 41-year-old has remained their No1 this term. He has played 17 of Rangers’ 27 Premiership fixtures so far this season having ousted Jon McLaughlin. The 35-year-old began the term as Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s No1.
Rangers will fund Michael Beale’s plans to sign a new goalkeeper to replace Allan McGregor
Beale has identified a shortlist of goalkeepers who could replace McGregor at Rangers come the summer sales. The Gers should also explore deals for shot-stoppers over the off-season even if McGregor were to sign a new contract. He is yet to officially rule out staying at Ibrox.
Rangers will hand Beale the funds needed to sign a goalkeeper who meets two main criteria. Ibrox chiefs believe whoever comes to Glasgow to replace McGregor as their new No1 must have the right character. They must also be a worthy successor for the 42-cap Scotland star.
Is Preston North End star Freddie Woodman on Michael Beale’s radar for a transfer to Ibrox?
One goalkeeper Beale believes would be a worthy target for a transfer to Rangers is Preston North End star Woodman. Reports by The Scottish Sun note the Gers boss has instructed his scouts to watch the 26-year-old several times. He is also ready to pay £3.5m for his services.
But Rangers will need to rival Leeds United and Leicester City for Woodman’s transfer from Preston. The Whites and Foxes are monitoring his form at Deepdale in view of a move up to the Premier League. He has kept 15 clean sheets in 35 English Championship matches so far.
Only Coventry City’s Ben Wilson has kept more shut-outs than Woodman so far this season in the Championship with 17. Yet Jones recently cited Norwich City’s Angus Gunn as another goalkeeper Beale is considering as Rangers target a goalkeeper who can replace McGregor.
Rangers are also confident that Gunn can reach a higher level with a move to Ibrox over the summer. They believe the 27-year-old with four clean sheets over 19 Championship outings can be their long-term No1. The Scottish Sun also note Norwich will only want £3m for him.
