OPINION
Seeming as Rangers defender Gareth McAuley is 38-years-old, it is safe to say that he does not have much of his playing career left ahead of him.
His contract expires in the summer of 2019, and according to the Express, manager Steven Gerrard wants to find a replacement in next year’s transfer window.
The Gers must revisit their interest in Blackpool defender Curtis Tilt, who was a target for the club in the summer according to the Scottish Sun.
The 27-year-old could be on his way out of the League One outfit, with reliable source HITC reporting that his club have identified Exeter City player Luke Croll as a target.
Tilt’s contract also expires next summer – so it looks like everything is falling into place for Gerrard to swoop for the centre-back next year.
Some fans will argue that he is not good enough to take a step up to a higher level with Rangers, but Tilt has had an excellent few months with the third-tier side and is more than capable of making a success of himself at the Ibrox in the place of McAuley.
McAuley is unlikely to be offered an extension on his current deal due to his age, and even if he was offered one, he would not be playing on a regular basis for Gerrard’s side.
The door is now wide open for Rangers to swoop for the Blackpool player valued at £1million this summer – but that would not matter to Gerrard, as Tilt will be available on a free transfer in just over seven months.
They have arguably looked a bit rocky in the defence and there is no doubt that Tilt could come in and steady the ship efficiently.
Rangers can bridge the gap on Celtic with a signing like Tilt, as their defence has not been their strongest point this season – but with him on board, that will all be put to bed in an instant.