Philippe Clement looks set to oversee something of an overhaul at Rangers this summer.
Departures could rise into double figures including those who are out of contract with the manager expecting to bring in as many as 12 new faces according to journalist Chris Jack.
Several players have been linked with exits already but Philippe Clement could lose two of his Rangers stalwarts to a familiar name.
Steven Gerrard could yet target Rangers duo despite Clement wish
The Gers boss seems happy with the work being done so far, however, transfer windows have a habit of throwing a spanner in the works.
A big one for Clement would be if he lost his captain and vice-captain.
According to Asharq, Steven Gerrard is looking to add experience to his squad following the departure of Jordan Henderson to Ajax:
“We will evaluate the situation and identify the strengths and weaknesses. We must be prepared to meet what the team needs to appear better. We realise that our team has developed, but there is a lot of work.
“We are building a good team, and we seek to enter the summer transfer market in a way that makes us the best in the Saudi League, as we did in the last transfer market, where our signings were reasonable and very strategic.
“Knowledge must be transferred to the Saudi League so we need experience. That is what I also want to do while I am here, but there are things that Saudi players must do to improve. There is a lot of work that must be done.”
It’s a statement that could prick the ears of those within Ibrox and Auchenhowie with both James Tavernier and Connor Goldson having been linked with moves to the former Rangers manager’s Al Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia.
Goldson saw his season cut short due to injury, but it shouldn’t be forgotten that he was dropped for the two games before the training ground incident that saw him damage his knee.
As for Tavernier, his recent form has seen his position questioned and Dujon Sterling is providing the stiffest competition to his place since he first arrived at the club.
Despite the pair not being at their best in recent months, Philippe Clement is convinced that they aren’t going anywhere:
“It would cost a lot of money. They are two players who are important for next season.
“My players come to speak with me if they have doubts or if they want to go or if they are out of contract. We have that relationship.
“If I need to speak to every player where there is a rumour about, then we won’t train too much.”
Clement’s hand might be forced by budget constraints
The board will give Clement funds to spend but he knows he is working on a budget.
Qualifying for the Champions League will give him more money as will selling players who might not be a part of his future plans.
Managers don’t always get to choose who they receive bids for either. Jack Butland might not be for sale, however, should an offer in the region of £10-15m arrive on Nils Koppen’s desk, his locker will be cleared before the ink is dry on the cheque.
The same applies with Tavernier and Goldson, Gerrard knows what they can offer and they have both been at Rangers a long time, maybe it is time to move on and start afresh.
