As we prepare ourselves for what should be a great occasion tonight, let’s have a look at the most recent rumours on and off the field.
We should start with this year’s transfer saga – Graham Dorrans. I really, really hope by the time you’re reading this, we have some clearer information as to what’s going on there. We’ve had the Express, usually a decent enough source, tell us the bid was accepted. There’s some claiming his family members have said it’s done. And yet today we see an article in a newspaper in Norwich claiming that our “derisory” bid was rejected.
It’s worth noting that Norwich have a new manager. That will have added a certain amount of time and uncertainty to everything, as he was likely to want to see his squad before decisions were made on who to retain. They’ve freed the higher earners on easy enough contracts to terminate, but they know Dorrans can bring in some cash at least.
His wife at least seems to have a sense of humour about it all, joking around with some Rangers fans on Twitter.
I really want this one to go through. I recognise that there’s a lot of time until the end of the transfer window, but he’s someone I think could make a huge difference very quickly. Let’s hope we can get him in and fit before the start of the league campaign.
Elsewhere, we had a link with Fraizer Campbell from a very decent source, which was then rubbished by another decent source. It’s been a hectic, confusing summer that way. During the Portugal – Chile game last night, the commentator mentioned that Nani has been linked with ourselves, and that sent loads into a frenzy. As we’ve already discussed in previous articles, that one is beyond unlikely.
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Vurnon Anita was linked with us recently. He’s on a free transfer after being released by Newcastle. Anita is someone with a good level of ability who can play in a few positions, and he’s a level above most of what we’ve got. On a free transfer, that’s a signing which you’d consider a good one if he was willing to accept the sort of wages we can pay.
Moves for Kenny McLean and Jamie Walker are ongoing. There’s not been an awful lot in the media of late about either since bids were rejected, but it’s likely we’ll be working in the background on them. I think Walker is a certainty, but McLean may just be out of our reach as Aberdeen will be difficult to work with.
In terms of outgoings, it now looks certain that Barrie McKay is on his way out. He’s been training with the development squad recently, which is rarely a situation players come back from. I’m disappointed, as I rate him highly and think he would have shone in a better team, but if he’s not willing to sign a new contract, he has to go this summer.
Andy Halliday has left on loan to play in Azerbaijan for a season. Rangers have coaching schools out there in the summer, so I guess that’s where that link comes from. Harry Forrester, Michael O’Halloran, Rob Kiernan and Joe Dodoo weren’t included in the European squad, which suggests they’ll all be moved on. Matt Crooks is still injured, but as we sign a number of midfielders, it’s difficult to imagine he’ll stay.
We’ve knocked back a bid from Nottingham Forest for Tavernier. If there’s any truth in the Anita link, there may be more movement to come there. Links made to players like Waghorn, Windass and Hodson haven’t come to anything as of yet.
Off the field, the main story comes from our new retail deal and upcoming strips. We’ll be releasing a new away and third strip in the next couple of months, which will provide even further income in the short term. The demand for strips has been huge, and the stock hasn’t been able to keep up. Given that and the upcoming release of new strips, it looks like we’ll have a steady stream of money coming into the club for a few months yet.
Enjoy tonight, ladies and gentlemen!
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