Derek McInnes has made former Aberdeen player Ross McCrorie his first signing as Rangers manager and also joined the race for a hugely in demand Scottish talent.
McCrorie returns to Ibrox for an undisclosed fee on a three-year-deal from Bristol City with the option of a further year.
The 28-year-old scored eight goals in 89 appearances for the Robins and will fill the void at right-back left by departing captain James Tavernier.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
Rangers want to target SPFL experience this summer and have shown that already with moves for McCrorie and Lawrence Shankland. The latest target is Dundee defender Luke Graham, who fits that mould and would make perfect sense to replace Emmanuel Fernandez, who has been linked with an exit from Ibrox. |
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Finances |
Various sources have claimed Graham will move on for around £1.5m this summer. The Gers have shopped cheaply so far so can certainly afford that fee, albeit Portsmouth currently believe they are leading the charge as they prepare an offer with a sell-on clause. |
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Scouting |
Graham is an out and out centre half who can play on either side. He has bags of experience in Scottish football, racking up appearances for the likes of Montrose, Albion Rovers and Falkirk before breaking into Dundee’s first team. His durability could be a huge boost for McInnes, having played 40 times in all competitions last season. |
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Impact |
Graham’s fit as a replacement for Fernandez – if he departs – is obvious. The 22 year-old is homegrown, a threat at set pieces and wouldn’t break the bank. This would allow the Gers to spend big in midfield, where they may yet need to replace both Nico Raskin and Mo Diomande. |
McCrorie came through the youth ranks at Ibrox and made more than 50 first-team appearances before McInnes signed him for Aberdeen in August 2020.
The versatile player made more than 100 appearances in three seasons with the Dons, and could soon be joined by another homegrown talent.
Rangers challenging English sides for Graham deal
According to The Daily Record, Dundee’s Luke Graham is on the Rangers shortlist this summer, but they will face a huge amount of competition for his signature.
Portsmouth, Derby County, Norwich City and Stoke City are all chasing a deal, and it is Pompey who currently lead the charge.
The South Coast club are preparing a £1.5m offer with a sell-on clause included, and believe it should be enough to tempt those at Dens Park into a sale.
McInnes restoring pride in playing for Rangers
Rangers’ collapse in the title charge last season was as drastic as it was surprising, and McInnes’ first task needs to be restoring a strong core and spine who understand what it means to put the blue shirt on.
McCrorie’s opening comments represent exactly that, as he told the Rangers website: “It is a dream come true to come back up the road to the team I support.
“I am not that little kid who was at Rangers back in the day. I have changed a lot character-wise, and player-wise, I feel I have changed massively.
“I feel like I am ready now, and I want to come back here and win trophies.”
With Nasser Djiga’s future uncertain following his loan spell coming to an end and Fernandez potentially on the way out, Graham could immediately slot in alongside John Souttar at the heart of the Gers’ defence.
Better signing than McCrorie: Rangers preparing bid to sign £10m-rated star
Rangers are reportedly eyeing up a move for a star who would be an even better signing than Ross McCrorie.
