Rangers eye Newcastle winger as Jak Alnwick closes in on loan move

Rangers have been linked with Newcastle winger Rolando Aarons, but face stiff competition from both AEK Athens and Hull City.

The 22-year-old spent last season on loan at Hellas Verona, but doesn’t look like forcing his way into Rafa Benitez’s first team plans any time soon with up to four players ahead of him in the pecking order.

Rangers are seeking a replacement for Jamie Murphy after his season-ending injury, and have already targeted Albania international Eros Grezda, but could move for the Jamaican-born wide man in addition to the Osijek winger.

Aarons has made 27 appearances for the Magpies in four years, scoring four times, but has the likes of Kenedy, Matt Ritchie, Christian Atsu and Jacob Murphy ahead of him in the pecking order.

Rangers are reportedly keen on Newcastle winger Rolando Aarons. Picture: Getty Images

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The Ibrox side could also sanction a season-long loan move for goalkeeper Jak Alnwick, who could team up with former Ibrox boss Stuart McCall at Scunthorpe.

The 25-year-old has made 11 appearances since joining from Port Vale in January 2017, but has been pushed down the pecking order with the return of Allan McGregor, and former No.1 Wes Foderingham seemingly Steven Gerrard’s preferred back-up option.

Gerrard is understood to have given the green light for the ‘keeper to head to Glanford Park for the season before the transfer window closes.