Rangers are stepping up their transfer business and with the window now officially open Michael Beale will want to tie up players like Jonathan Panzo sooner, rather than later.
The 22-year old centre-half played 32 times last season on loan at Coventry City from Nottingham Forest and will be expected to cover the left-hand side of defence, if he signs.
According to Fabrizio Romano, negotiations are well under way after a reported £2.5m bid but Rangers face a fight if Jonathan Panzo is to be part of Michael Beale’s summer rebuild.
Posting on Twitter, the prolific transfer story journalist has confirmed that Rangers are keen to sign Jonathan Panzo, however, he has obviously impressed others across the continent too.
Whilst confirming that Sam Lammers is almost a done deal, Romano said:
“Understand Rangers have also asked for Jonathan Panzo again as new centre back, talks are ongoing — but there are also German and English clubs keen on signing him.”
Panzo has already built up some valuable experience in Europe playing in France and Belgium after leaving Chelsea’s academy.
With Filip Helander departed and Ben Davies – who came out well in a comparison with Panzo – looking increasingly likely to return to England, a natural left footed centre-half will be one of the Gers gaffer’s priorities.
John Souttar has looked more than comfortable on his “weaker” side but he can’t be expected to play the same volume of games as Connor Goldson and Leon King still needs to have his minutes managed.
Dujon Sterling has been added and he can cover across the back four but a specialist for that side is required with two senior players in Helander and Davies unlikely to be in the squad next season.
Signing Panzo would also allow Michael Beale to trim his squad and allow offers for Borna Barisic with the Croatian in the last year of his contract.
Rangers seem determined to get their work done before pre-season starts, getting in early can also catch other teams cold, it makes you wonder why we never adopted this approach when we had a sporting director.
