Rangers defender search continues; should Gerrard try to bring Tafazolli to Ibrox?

HITC – GLASGOW, Rangers are still looking to bring a defender to Ibrox.

Rangers may have been busy in the transfer market this summer, but manager Steven Gerrard may still be looking to bring in another centre back this month.

The Gers have now landed 11 summer signings to boost Gerrard’s squad, with left back Borna Barisic arriving from Osijek last week having impressed against Rangers in a Europa League qualifying tie.

Barisic joins Allan McGregor, Jon Flanagan, Connor Goldson, Nikola Katic, Lassana Coulibaly, Ovie Ejaria, Scott Arfield, Ryan Kent, Jamie Murphy and Umar Sadiq at Ibrox, with Gerrard essentially signing a whole new line-up.

However, Barisic’s arrival doesn’t spell the end of the recruitment drive just yet, and another centre back – preferably left-footed – remains on Gerrard’s wish list to cover for Goldson and Katic.

With Bruno Alves and Fabio Cardoso both gone, Gerrard wants greater depth and balance in his centre back ranks, though a move for Jake Cooper failed, with Jack Simpson and Mark Beevers seemingly unattainable too.

That may leave Rangers looking for alternatives in the final stages of the transfer window, and Peterborough United’s Ryan Tafazolli fits the bill both as a left-footed centre back and because of his huge 6ft 5in frame – similar to the huge Goldson and Katic.

Tafazolli, 26, has starred for Peterborough since a 2016 move from Mansfield Town, and whilst he has attracted interest from Championship clubs, Rangers should at least consider the defender, having shown no qualms about targeting League One players such as Blackpool’s Curtis Tilt.

The centre back – who may be in contention for an Iran call-up – is out of contract next summer, and whilst he is giving his all for Peterborough, Rangers should be looking to tempt Tafazolli into an early exit from the Posh.

Rangers could negotiate a sensible fee for Tafazolli in the final 12 months of his contract, and he possesses the attributes that Gerrard is looking for without needing to break the bank, and given that he is also of a good age, Tafazolli should be one name on the Rangers radar.