Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
BOURNE SUPREMACY
Cherries duo in talks to join Gers ahead of the transfer deadline as boss Gerrard looks to strengthen his grip on their title drive
STEVEN GERRARD has revealed Rangers could have more signing news before Monday’s deadline as Bournemouth boss Jason Tindall confirmed talks over duo Nnamdi Ofoborh and Jack Simpson.
The Ibrox boss has done a pre-contract deal for Aberdeen’s Scott Wright and the Cherries pair are next in line.
Gerrard says it would be “a bonus” to get the Dons ace on board this month and the discussions are also continuing with the regards imminent arrivals for Ofoborh and Simpson.
The Ibrox gaffer said: “We’re hoping to have some more news in the coming days with certain situations we’ve been looking into.”
Tindall expanded on the
Ofoborh and
Simpson scenario as he revealed: “Steven
Gerrard did make contact with me a few days ago. They are free to talk to teams due to their contract situation and Rangers are in a position to be able to do that now.
“Nothing has been finalised as yet in terms of: Are they signed? Or are they going to be signing there? But they are in a position to see what the opportunities might be for them in the future at Rangers.”
On a potential imminent Wright arrival, he said: “It would be a bonus if we could get it done now, for me. But that’s in Aberdeen’s control and we respect that.”
Meanwhile, Gerrard reckons carving unity across every area at Rangers has led them to the brink of title glory.
The Ibrox manager and his team have transformed their fortunes in spectacular fashion this term and look to maintain their unbeaten Premiership record tonight against Hibs.
Rangers are soaring towards a first title in 10 years having struggled to mount a sustained challenge in Gerrard’s first two terms.
The gaffer (inset) is refusing to allow the club to get ahead of themselves or stray off line as the single-unified bond pushes them towards a cherished ending of their silverware drought.
Gerrard said: “When I first came in the door, it was about clarity of role, trying to connect and improve all the different departments, so that everyone is on the same page and understands what we’re all trying to achieve here.
“That was one of the biggest challenges from day one, to really get that alignment in place and make people feel part of the journey and to all become one, pushing in the same direction to change this club to try to get it back to being a successful club.”
Rangers go to Easter Road 23 points ahead and the manager wants to improve on a record of just one win in his four visits to Leith as Light Blues boss.
He added: “It’s probably one of the toughest away fixtures in the schedule.
“Our performances have been really good at Easter Road but maybe we haven’t had the results we’ve deserved.”
Gerrard says Ryan Jack is good to go again after returning from injury. Kemar Roofe is also available and Scott Arfield could be back shortly.