OPINION
Championship side Derby County are reportedly interested in signing Arsenal playmaker Jon Toral, but Pedro Caixinha should steal in and bring him back to Rangers this summer.
The Derby Telegraph claims Toral is one of a number of attacking targets being considered by Gary Rowett’s Rams this summer, as they look to replace the loss of Tom Ince who has joined Huddersfield.
Che Adams, Tom Lawrence, Callum Robinson and Liverpool duo Ryan Kent and Sheyi Ojo are said to be on the promotion contender’s shortlist, as well as 22-year-old Toral.
However, after Toral spent the second half of the 2016-17 season on loan at Ibrox, Caixinha should round off his transfer revolution at Auchenhowie this summer with the signing of Toral ahead of Derby.
It is clear as day that the Gers need another number 10 if they are to challenge Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership table come May 2018.
The Daily Mail claims Harry Forrester is set to leave the club on a free transfer despite having two years remaining on his current contract, with Charlton and Bolton both said to be interested in the 26-year-old.
With Carlos Pena yet to make his debut due to fitness concerns and Niko Kranjcar still injured, Kenny Miller is currently filling the void in the number 10 role.
However, the veteran striker is much more renowned for his influence as a number nine and bringing in a new playmaker to add to the competition is key.
Step forward Toral, who shone for Rangers alongside fellow loanee Emerson Hyndman last season during his short loan spell.
The former Brentford and Granada loanee scored three goals in 15 appearances as well as laying on three assists for the Glasgow giants.
With only 12 months remaining on his contract, a cut-price deal could be sorted between Rangers and Arsenal if the Gers can beat Derby to Toral’s signature this summer.
Signing Toral would see Rangers secure a player that bestows the creativity required to unlock the gap between themselves and Celtic, which stood at a huge 39 points last season.