Steven Gerrard has reportedly set his sights on a new defensive target.
After an irreconcilable disagreement over finances, Rangers have dropped their interest in Gerrard’s former Liverpool teammate Martin Skrtel but a centre-half remains a priority for the new Gers boss this summer.
Having already signed Scott Arfield, Allan McGregor and Jamie Murphy, Gerrard is now eager to shore up his defence.
While the Glasgow club continues to pursue Brighton defender Connor Goldson, they are now reported to be interested in bringing in West Ham central defender James Collins, whose contract with the Hammers is not going to be renewed.
The Daily Record reports that Gerrard remains hopeful of signing Collins on a free transfer after the 34-year-old was informed that he was not being kept on at West Ham via email last week.
The treatment of Collins has not gone down well with Hammers supporters, who maintain that a club legend should be shown more respect than an impersonal dismissal.
"The lowest thing I've ever heard"
Vinnie Jones is NOT happy with #WHUFC for axing James Collins via email
— talkSPORT Breakfast (@TSBreakfast) May 21, 2018
With Gerrard reportedly interested in bringing an experienced Premier League defender to Ibrox, Collins could well fit the bill.
A pay cut would likely be required to get the deal over the line but Gers fans are not exactly keen on the former Wales international.
https://twitter.com/Rangersangus72/status/1000130643374825479
https://twitter.com/GersCentral/status/1000138054210916353
If rangers sign James Collins I’ll greet, fucking useless
— Keiren Hastie (@K_Hastie72) May 25, 2018
A swear to god if James Collins comes anywhere near Ibrox I’ll fucking greet
— Sammy Bonson (@SammyBonson) May 25, 2018
https://twitter.com/1690Jamie/status/1000137690577362944
James Collins would be a very, very bad move.
— Iain (@CemetryGates89) May 25, 2018
