Stijn Spierings is the defensive midfielder that Michael Beale should be targeting for Rangers this summer.
The 27-year old Dutch youth international is out of contract in the summer after starring for Ligue 1 outfit Toulouse.
Midfield is an area that needs particular attention and, after being linked with a host of defensive specialists last summer, it is an area that still needs to be addressed.
Stijn Spierings, at 6ft 2inches tall, is a powerful player with technique to match.
With 40 appearances for Toulouse this season, Spierings has been a near ever present for the Coupe de France winners.
Partnered in midfield by Branco van den Boomen, the journeymen pair are both being eyed by PSV Eindhoven, if they have departures of their own.
This is exactly the level of player that Michael Beale needs to be targeting.
Reportedly on just £3,600 per week, his wages wouldn’t be an issue and for a midfielder with Ligue 1 and Eredivisie experience Rangers would be getting a bargain.
What role would Stijn Spierings play for Rangers?
Against Celtic, we saw exactly the shape and system that is needed to beat them and a defensive midfielder is key.
Ryan Jack’s performance allowed John Lundstram and Nicolas Raskin to be more aggressive and the shape out of possession was near faultless.
Jack, of course, can’t play 60 games a season and in Europe where a higher level of technical ability is required, Spierings would be a useful addition.
Rangers have a lot of work to do and not a lot of money to play with.
If Michael Beale can sign players like Spierings then losing previously key players for nothing isn’t as sorely felt.
It is the reality of modern football that players have more power than ever before but, with the lure of the Champions League, Rangers should be able to attract top level operators.
Stijn Spierings should be on Rangers radar.
