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Football

05th May 2018

Steven Gerrard targeting Liverpool forward as first Rangers signing

Matthew Gault

He’s not wasting any time.

Steven Gerrard has a big job on his hands at Ibrox but he is banking on his pulling power helping him navigate the tricky waters of the transfer window.

Gerrard was unveiled as the new Rangers boss on Friday and has already set his sights on potential targets as he sets about the unenviable task of closing the gap between the Gers and Celtic.

The Hoops are 13 points ahead of their Old Firm rivals and their superiority was confirmed when they spanked Rangers 5-0 last week to capture their seventh successive title, just two weeks after hammering them 4-0 in the Scottish Cup semi-final.

The 5-0 defeat proved to be the end of the road for Graeme Murty, with Gerrard chosen as his successor and the man to lead Rangers’ new chapter.

Strengthening the squad will be the first item on the agenda and Gerrard is hoping his old pals at Liverpool can do him a solid.

According to the Scottish Sun, Reds striker Dominic Solanke heads up Gerrard’s list of transfer targets, with the new manager exploring the possibility of a loan deal. The 20-year-old has struggled to establish himself in Jurgen Klopp’s first-team after the German signed him from Chelsea last summer.

He has made 25 appearances in total, with several of those coming off the bench, and has yet to score. It’s believed that Solanke may benefit from a season away from Merseyside to get some regular first-team minutes under his belt and, with a former Liverpool captain as his mentor, Rangers may be an attractive destination.

Solanke has struggled to shine at Anfield but he has plenty of potential. When England won the U20 World Cup in 2017, he was given the Golden Ball after being named Player of the Tournament.

He was also made his senior international debut in England’s friendly draw with Brazil in November so, if Gerrard can lure him to Ibrox and rejuvenate his confidence, there is a chance he could offer an exciting new outlet in Rangers’ frontline.

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