Michael Beale may be looking predominantly in England, however, a short shopping trip for Rangers to France and Ligue 1 would see him find Branco van den Boomen.
The Toulouse midfielder was pivotal in getting his side promoted into Ligue 1 and his performances in France’s top flight this season has seen him attract attention from across Europe.
At 27-years old, the 6ft 2inch tall Dutch youth cap is hitting his peak and, according to Fabrizio Romano, is set to leave when his contract expires this summer.
With better than a goal or assist every two games, six goals, 13 assists in 37 appearances, Van den Boomen is a prolific contributor from deep – exactly the type of midfielder Rangers need.
An unspectacular career in his homeland saw him head to France where he has flourished, 68 goal contributions in 113 game is an incredible return from midfield.
Michael Beale does look to have two number eights in his side and Van den Boomen would offer the perfect balance alongside Todd Cantwell.
Kieran Dowell is said to be close to being announced but if there is a chance to swap someone, who is more suitable to Rangers system than John Lundstram and Glen Kamara, then it has to be explored.
Lundstram played well against Celtic at the weekend but it could be too little, too late, given how poor he has been for most of the season, questions would be asked if he is offered a new contract.
Likewise, despite his status as a homegrown player, Van den Boomen would offer fresher legs than Scott Arfield with even better numbers.
There are a lot of good, top quality players available on Bosmans this summer but with quality comes competition.
Players, like Van den Boomen, haven’t played in the Champions League before and it can offer a valuable incentive.
He has played in one of Europe’s top leagues so, he doesn’t really have that itch to scratch either with a current, affordable, wage of £13,000 per week being less than most of our current midfield options.
Without a massive transfer kitty, Rangers and Michael Beale will have to be creative and moving two players out on fees to replace them with Branco van den Boomen would be an immediate upgrade and one that could see him have money to spend elsewhere.
