It may be the winter break in Scotland, but talk surrounding Rangers is as busy as ever as Philippe Clement looks to add to his side for the second half of the season.
The Light Blues may be second in the Scottish Premiership currently, but should the Gers win their games in hand they can get within two points of Celtic at the top of the table and therefore the Belgian needs to make the right additions to their squad.
One name that has been repeatedly linked with a midseason move to Glasgow is Hellas Verona left-back Josh Doig. The Daily Record reported (1 January) that the Light Blues have made an approach to sign the 21-year-old, but it remains to be seen whether or not they’ll meet the £5.5million valuation.
However, should Clement be keen to get this deal over the line before another team snatches up the Scotsman’s services, Rangers may have to act quickly as teams are already circling the former Hibernian man.
According to Italian outlet Toro (8 January) Doig’s “intermediary” was present at Torino’s clash with Napoli on Sunday, 7 January with contracts between the club accelerating.
Paolo Bursardo, Doig’s agent had a meeting with Torino’s president to discuss contractual issues, ambitions of both parties and plenty more as negotiations between both the player and Torino continue ahead of a potential transfer.
Clement and Rangers need a new left-back as currently the Belgian can only call upon Borna Barisic, whose contract at Ibrox expires come the end of the season, and Ridvan Yilmaz, who has been linked with a January exit himself.
Sky Sports journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reported on Saturday (6 January) that Yilmaz is set to steal a move away from Ibrox during the Premiership’s winter break, with Verona set to sign the Turkish defender.
John Bennett and James Bisgrove cannot allow Doig to slip through their fingers, otherwise they will leave Clement with nowhere near enough depth or quality in the left-back position to compete with Celtic for the Premiership title.
Before conversations become too advanced between the 21-year-old and Torino, the Light Blues have to step in and try and secure the Scotsman’s long-term future, but they will have to act quickly.
It might end up being an expensive deal, but the Gers cannot let such a clear opportunity pass them by without a fight and those in charge at Ibrox could have to just foot the bill.
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