Rangers transfer policy has taken a different turn already when you see the players who have been linked so far this summer.
Jefte has been signed and it players from further afield where Nils Koppen is looking to make his budget go as far as possible.
Signing senior players on big wages and for big transfer fees appears to be a thing of the past, however, the latest link to Rangers sees a multi-million pound Premier League winner said to be under consideration for Philippe Clement’s squad rebuild.
Rangers linked with stunning move for Kalvin Phillips
According to transfer journalist Graeme Bailey via HITC, Rangers are monitoring the situation of Man City’s Kalvin Phillips.
The 28-year old midfielder has had a couple of difficult seasons after leaving Leeds United for the Premier League champions.
So much so that he has lost his England place, not just in the team, but in the squad.
In total, he has made just 31 appearances for City and it appears as if his days could be numbered in Manchester.
There is one problem for potential suitors though.
Money.
City paid £45m for Phillips and don’t have a reputation for gifting players away.
There is also his salary.
Could Rangers repeat Defoe or Ramsey move for Phillips?
Rangers have made audacious moves in the past for players like Jermaine Defoe and Aaron Ramsey.
On £150,000 a week, Phillips’ wage is only affordable for a select few in the Premier League and at the top end of leagues from the top five countries.
There is a long list of teams chasing his signature despite an uninspiring loan spell at West Ham United that saw him spend most of his time on the bench and make just 12 appearances in the league.
In total, Phillips spent 360 minutes on the pitch in league games for West Ham, hardly inspiring dreams of a return to his previous form.
With four years left on his Man City contract, it is unlikely that anyone will make the sort of bid that will tempt them into selling a player who just hasn’t settled or made the step up.
Comments about his physique and fitness from Pep Guardiola will also have done little to help his self-esteem and confidence.
Between his wage, availability and form, it just seems like the sort of signing that Koppen and Clement are looking to avoid this summer when pace and energy are two key factors.
Two qualities that Phillips has yet to show that he can rediscover.
