Rangers reported scouting mission to Greece is expected to see Harry Watling observe right-back Giannis Kotsiras, however, a move for Dimitrios Kourbelis could still be on the cards.
The 29-year old Greece international has yet to put pen to paper on a new contract that is expiring at the end of this season.
The race for his signature is a fierce one with Rangers expected to miss out but, as yet, there has been no confirmation about where Kourbelis will play next season.
On a free transfer Dimitrios Kourbelis, with 30-caps for Greece is a hugely experienced defensive midfielder and would be a real bargain, more importantly, he would also fill a key vacancy.
Giannis Kotsiris is being eyed to put pressure on James Tavernier, according to reports, but signing a 30-year old to be a backup doesn’t make much sense or fit Rangers player trading model.
Kotsiras, the twice-capped international, would be a good signing, but Panathanaikos would want a decent fee for a key player.
Why Rangers signing Dimitrios Kourbelis makes more sense
Signing a player who is first-team ready on a free transfer is one that makes a lot more sense and it wouldn’t be a surprise if Watling is heading to Greece to make one last effort to persuade Kourbelis, labelled as the perfect Ryan Jack replacement, to join the Rangers revolution.
Midfield, with the futures of Jack, Steven Davis, Scott Arfield, Glen Kamara and John Lundstram all up in the air, is an area of the park that needs attention.
The foundation is there with Nicolas Raskin and Todd Cantwell but, signing someone to anchor the midfield is a key acquisition that needs to be made this summer.
Last summer saw us linked with a few defensive midifelders but none were signed and it has cost us dear, both in Europe and against Celtic.
What is encouraging is that it is a trusted member of Michael Beale’s staff that is heading over to watch Panathanaikos in action, presumably, the analysts have done their job and the Gers gaffer is wanting final confirmation before making a move.
Whoever the target might be.
