Gerrard admits he may shuffle his pack
STEVEN GERRARD has predicted there will be transfer movement in and out at Rangers this month as he looks to shuffle his pack and complete a deal for Aberdeen forward Scott Wright.
The Ibrox manager has previously insisted that none of his most influential performers will be leaving during the January window as Rangers set their sights on the Premiership title this term.
The Govan side will attempt to strike a deal with the Dons to bring Wright on board before the summer and there could be exits to follow before the close of business this month.
“Look, you never say never in these situations because things can change pretty quickly,” Gerrard said when asked if he could make additions other than that of Wright.
“I don’t foresee any more additions but I do know there is quite a bit of interest around some of our players as well, so that will depend on who goes out the door what we decide to do in terms of incomings.
“As I said previously, if we could get Scott in the door that would be a major boost and something that we would welcome but I don’t think we are in a situation where we need to make many additions where we are right now.
“But I do predict there will be movement in the coming weeks because the phone is starting to warm up in terms of interest in our players.
“I can’t give you any names or anything that is done privately but there is definitely action in the background.”
Pittodrie boss Derek McInnes revealed this week that Gerrard phoned him personally to confirm his interest in speaking to Wright over a free transfer at the end of the campaign.
But the 23-year-old looks likely to move sooner rather than later as Gerrard seeks to bolster his attacking options for the title run-in this term.
Gerrard said: “I think what we are keen to do is to do everything right and be respectful to Aberdeen and Derek and also Scott as well.
“Things are progressing well in terms of trying to get it tied up for next season. I think that’s the priority.
“I had a conversation with
Derek after our game, which I felt was the right time to do it. We didn’t want it to interfere with either side’s preparations going into that game.
“If it can be done in this window, that would be a bonus and a boost to us. Having said that, we want to be respectful to the opposition and Scott himself. So I need to leave that now to the people who talk above me, in terms of the Aberdeen board and the Rangers board.”
Midfielder Ross McCrorie could be used as a makeweight in any deal that would take Wright to Ibrox before the close of business this month.
And Gerrard is happy to leave sporting director Ross Wilson and the board to strike an agreement with their Pittodrie counterparts to ensure he lands his main January target.
Gerrard said: “Listen, I think board’s talk. The money men will talk and I’m sure in the conversations they will have everything on the table in terms of possibilities to try to get this done in the coming weeks.
“There are different options. There’s a possibility of one of our players going the other way.
“There is a possibility of cash up front and I don’t know where the Ross McCrorie deal lies in terms of what needs to be done and what doesn’t. But I’m sure that’s another possibility as well. The main thing is to do things right and properly - and that’s the reason why I had the conversation with Derek.
“There was already talks above myself and Derek prior to that conversation so it’s a case of us respecting the situation where it’s at.”