Rangers Manager Pedro Caixinha must rival Celtic to the signing of centre-back Martin Caceres this summer.
The Sun have claimed that the Glasgow giants are in talks with the 30-year-old following his release from Premier League outfit Southampton last week.
The former Barcelona and Juventus man only made one appearance for the Saints since joining the club in February and was clearly deemed surplus to requirements at Claude Puel’s side.
But, here This is Futbol have analysed three reasons why Rangers must battle fierce rivals Celtic for the signature of the Uruguayan:
Experience
After playing for some of Europe’s biggest club’s such as Barcelona, Juventus and Sevilla there is no doubting that Caceres would bring experience to the team that he next joins. He has already won the La Liga title, Copa del Rey, Champions League and four Serie A titles in his career and a Scottish Premiership win could certainly add to his trophy cabinet. Caceres has also been capped 69 times at international level for Uruguay and his signing would bring a lot of delight to the Rangers fan base. The Gers finished the season with David Bates and Aidan Wilson as their two centre-backs and with both Philippe Senderos and Clint Hill departing this summer it is clear that the Ibrox giants need a more experienced man in their defence.
Something to prove.
At Caceres’ age many players are looking for one final pay check. However, Caceres has played just one competitive game of football since March 2016. Therefore, he will be keen to show onlookers that he still has what it takes to play at a high level. Additionally, at 30 Caceres still has a number of years in his career and he could still prove a very good investment despite nearing his final years. With Rangers also playing in Europe next season the centre-back star will be keen to prove to all that his previous clubs like Southampton and Juventus were wrong to get rid of him so soon.
Bragging rights
Now, Caceres would prove a very good signing for Rangers on the field. However, if it is known that the Ibrox club beat Celtic to his signature then off the pitch that will cause much delight to the Ibrox fan base and gift them a now rare opportunity to brag over their most fierce rivals. The Hoops supporters haven’t been shy in expressing their joy over Rangers this season after going through the whole campaign unbeaten, which included a number of victories over the Ibrox club, but now with the season done Rangers fans will take any opportunity to have a chance to brag over Brendan Rodgers’ team.