Reports are starting to gather pace that Dujon Sterling could be announced as Rangers next summer signing.
Media outlets including The Athletic have backed the 23-year old to reject an extension at Chelsea to sign for Michael Beale but, as yet, nothing formal has been announced.
As with Kieran Dowell, there is no smoke without fire so thoughts now turn to what Dujon Sterling would bring to Rangers.
This is Ibrox contributor Angus Denholm has ran the numbers on the England youth international and they look impressive.
First of all, the similarities with Calvin Bassey are almost impossible to ignore.
The only difference is that Sterling can play anywhere along the back line whereas Bassey, who could net Rangers a reported £23m, I’d barely trust him to make a five yard pass with his right foot, never mind cross with it at right-back.
Sterling’s statistics back this comparison up too.
He’s a natural defender.
Defensive and offensive duels are where his main strengths lie but you couldn’t get a right-back more different to James Tavernier in that his goal, assist and crossing stats are his poorest.
Sterling is decent in the air and a competent ball carrier, there is a lot to work with but also a lot to improve for a team that relies on its full-backs for creativity.
What the reported link to Sterling might suggest though is that Michael Beale is considering a formation change or, at least, recruiting to give himself the players to implement such a plan.
Ridvan Yilmaz is an entirely different looking player in terms of physicality, however, in terms of style there are comparisons in how the Turkey international goes about his business.
Could Rangers under Beale be slowly transitioning from a formation and system that made us easy fodder for the low block loving managers of the SPFL?
Fingers crossed.
