Scotland 'leader' in surprise Rangers link as boss admits 'realistic' transfer may happen

Rangers search for defensive reinforcements could see them land on a former academy talent who has been described as a ‘leader’ by his current boss.

Ibrox boss Philippe Clement is in the market for new signings after seeing his squad decimated by injuries in defence, with John Souttar, Leon Balogun, Dujon Sterling, Neraysho Kasanwirjo and captain James Tavernier all expected to miss this weekend’s game with St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership, along with first-choice goalkeeper Jack Butland.

The Belgian boss has been linked with a host of names in the January window already, with Jamaican international Richard King, ex-Hibs star Ryan Porteous and Marseille defender Bamo Meite all listed as possible targets this week. However, Rangers search for additions could be handed a boost after Norwich City manager Johannes Hoff Thorup admitted his captain Grant Hanley may depart Carrow Road this summer following links to Rangers.

“From a selfish perspective, I want to keep him,” the Canaries boss told The Pink Un. “He’s a leader and he’s a captain, and he’s a very experienced guy. He’s training well and he’s good around the young boys. But I can understand if he comes to me and says, ‘I want to play first team football on a regular basis’. Then, of course, we need to sit down and look at the situation.”

Rangers have a number of injury issues in defence. | SNS Group

Hanley, who has won 59 caps for Scotland after starting with local club Queen of the South as youth. He also spent two years with the Rangers academy before moving to Blackburn Rovers as a 16-year-old in 2008, where he started his professional career.

A stalwart with Norwich City, he has played for Norfolk-based outfit since 2017 and captained the club to the EFL Championship title twice in 2019 and 2021. However, the 33-year-old Dumfries born centre-back has found game time hard to come by in recent months, playing just 78 minutes of league football this season, leading to rumours he could depart the club this January - something Thorup admits may happen.

“It depends what kind of offers will he get in January, because I think we have to be as honest with him as possible and also realistic,” said the Norwich boss.

Meanwhile, one Rangers player could be heading to the EFL Championship after out-of-favour youngster Adam Devine was linked to Midlands duo Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion. The versatile full-back has not played for the Rangers first team in over a year and is out of the contract in the summer. The Birmingham Mail claim that the EFL League one promotion hopefuls are prepared to battle with the Baggies in order to land the 21-year-old at a ‘bargain’ price this January.