Rangers are in the hunt to sign Bolton defender Mark Beevers as manager Steven Gerrard continues to eye up a new left-sided centre-back, according to the Express.
The newspaper claims via their website that the Gers have had a £3million bid turned down by Millwall for Jake Cooper, but it is understood that Beevers, 28, would be a much cheaper option for the Glasgow giants with him in the final year of his contract at Bolton.
Rangers are said to have sent a scout to watch the 6ft 3in (transfermarkt) colossus in action in a pre-season friendly draw with Girona last week.
The former Sheffield Wednesday and Millwall centre-back has over 200 appearances in the English Championship.
Good move for Rangers?
Beevers is a very experienced centre-back, with well over 300 total appearances throughout his entire career.
He played 47 times across all competitions last season as Bolton avoided relegation from England’s second-tier, and he would surely be a solid addition to Gerrard’s defence if he was able to pry him away from the Macron Stadium this summer.
Although Millwall’s Cooper is younger and has more potential, Beevers is cheaper and probably more of a trusted defender than the player that has already been bid for by the Light Blues.
In that case, Beevers would be a decent signing for Rangers, who are closing in on completing their summer overhaul.
This is Futbol rating 7/10
Likely to happen?
There is a good chance that Rangers will struggle to meet Millwall’s valuation of Cooper, so it is likely that they will invest more time and effort in signing Beevers instead.
The Bolton defender has been in good form, has a lot of experience, can play where Gerrard needs him to and is a cheaper alternative. He ticks all the boxes for the Gers.
This is Futbol rating 7/10