Rangers are taking a back seat as silent observers in the race to sign AEK Athens left-back James Penrice, with two ambitious Championship clubs making direct transfer contact.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs via X, both Middlesbrough and Blackburn Rovers have made formal enquiries into the availability of the 27-year-old Scottish defender.
While Penrice remains highly appreciated by the recruitment team at Ibrox, Rangers are yet to translate their admiration into a concrete approach.
This hesitant stance has allowed English suitors to proactively push their way to the front of the queue.
Is James Penrice a good signing for Rangers? 🤔
Rangers go quiet on Penrice after long-standing interest
Penrice was heavily linked with a sensational return to Scotland earlier in the summer transfer window.
With Tuur Rommens the only reliable left-back on the books, manager Derek McInnes may want another reliable, tactically disciplined left-sided full-back to push the Dutchman.
The former Hearts standout enjoyed an exceptional debut campaign overseas in Greece, racking up over 30 appearances to help push AEK Athens to a domestic league championship, proving his defensive quality at the highest level.
However, after intense speculation linking him with an immediate switch to Ibrox, the trail had gone notably quiet over recent days.
The risk of the waiting game
That period of inactivity from Ibrox has seemingly allowed Middlesbrough and Blackburn to test the waters.
Both the Championship clubs are desperate to add defensive durability to their backlines, and Penrice’s combination of robust SPFL experience and fresh European pedigree makes him an ideal asset.
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AEK Athens are under no pressure to sell their full-back on the cheap, as he is locked down to a contract in Greece until 2028.
This means any potential deal will likely require a fee upwards of £2million.
Rangers have made no secret of their desire to add more Scottish players to their ranks, and Penrice perfectly fits the profile of what McInnes requires.
However, it appears Andrew Cavenagh and Co. are focused on signing a new midfielder at the moment, as evidenced by the bids for Vanja Dragojevic and Jens Hjerto-Dahl.
