Sheffield United beat EFL Championship clubs in Deadline Day transfer race as Rangers ace set for medical
Derby County and Wrexham have also reportedly been interested in the Rangers midfielder.
On what has already been a hectic Transfer Deadline Day for Danny Rohl, a Rangers midfielder looks to be headed for the exit door.
In his first transfer window as Light Blues boss, Rohl has already made three additions, with the permanent signings of Tochi Chukwuani, Tuur Rommens and loan deal of Andreas Skov Olsen. To add to this, with Hansa Rostock striker, Ryan Naderi en route to the UK for his Gers medical, they could enlist a fourth before this evening’s deadline.
With several new additions coming in, Rohl has had to balance out his squad with some departures, including Lyall Cameron and Kieron Dowall, however with interest from south of the border in Joe Rothwell, it appears the pair aren’t the only central midfielders leaving Ibrox. Sheffield United are now the front runners to sign the 31-year old, with a failed move for a Rangers transfer target having a bearing on their decision.
Rothwell ‘edging closer’ to Blades move
According to The Sheffield Star: “Sheffield United are edging closer to their second signing of the January transfer window after a medical was booked in for one of their key targets from the start of the month, The Star understands. United are keen to do business ahead of tonight’s 7pm deadline.
“Their need for central midfield reinforcements is no secret and they have long been linked with a move for Rangers man Joe Rothwell, who helped Leeds United into the Premier League last season before moving north of the border from Bournemouth.”
Rothwell came to Ibrox with a reputation in the summer following his heroics with Leeds the previous season and was a mainstay in the side under Russell Martin. However, after struggling with injuries and form of late, Rohl has made it clear through various team selections that he’s not part of his plans. Rothwell is now scheduled for a medical at Bramall Lane.
Neil to Ipswich move lead ramped up Rothwell interest
Blades boss, Chris Wilder has had to look elsewhere for midfield reinforcements, after their number one target, Sunderland’s Dan Neil, was signed by Ipswich last week. Ironically, Rangers also had the 24-year old former Black Cats captain on their radar.
A Rothwell move would leave Rangers with Nico Raskin and Mohamed Diomande, as well as new boy Chukwuani as Rangers’ only current midfield options given the long term knee injury to Connor Barron. However, if more cover was needed, Thelo Aasgaard may be asked to play a more defensive role, while Dujon Sterling has been no stranger to playing in the middle of the park in seasons gone by.
Rangers’ recent goalless draw at Easter Road killed a run of seven domestic wins on the bounce, but also proved that there is still work to be done if they have title ambitions. The next nine hours or so could be instrumental come May for them, Hearts and Celtic.