Steven Gerrard verdict on Rangers transfer target resurfaces as he had 'big plans' for ace now bound for Ibrox

Rangers are set to sign a former player - and ex-boss Steven Gerrard thought highly of the star now poised to feature under Derek McInnes

Ross McCrorie is being eyed for an Ibrox return under the gaffer he worked with at Aberdeen. When fit, McCrorie has impressed at Bristol City in the English Championship, also called upon by Scotland with abilities to play at right-back, central defence and defensive midfield positions.

He is in the final year of his deal and English clubs have reportedly been fended off to bring him back to Rangers. McCrorie featured in Gerrard’s era as manager and is now in the closing stages of sealing his return.

Who are Rangers close to signing?

Reporting from the Rangers Review states: “Rangers are closing in on a move to re-sign Ross McCrorie. McCrorie, a graduate of the club’s academy who made his debut at Rangers in 2017, would go on to feature regularly for Steven Gerrard during his first season in charge at Ibrox.

“McCrorie is known for his physicality and is well acquainted with life at Ibrox due to his previous spell in the first team and academy. And the Rangers Review understands that the club look to have beaten off competition from English outfits to bring McCrorie back to Ibrox, with a deal to re-sign the player in the closing stages.”

Gerrard was a big fan of McCrorie, and as he headed for a developmental loan to Portsmouth amid speculation over a permanent move, the former Liverpool midfielder said: "I think it's very important to clear some things up and speculation in the media. There is no deal for him to go there permanently. It's a loan, it's a development loan to improve him because he's our player and we want him here for a long time and we want him to get to the next level.

What did Steven Gerrard say about Ross McCrorie at Rangers

"I could have been selfish and kept him here to be a squad player, but maybe being a squad player won't move him along or develop him as quickly as he wants. Hopefully he'll play 40, 50 games and come back next year ready to challenge the lads I've got here. He's certainly one of ours and we've got big plans for Ross McCrorie.

"It's a great move for him. I had a really honest conversation with Ross, man to man. I said to Ross where do you think you're at, what do you want out of the season. He told me he was desperate for 40, 50 games and I agreed with him. That will be really good for his development, I think Portsmouth is a really good club. The fans are demanding there so that will prepare him well for the future here.”

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