According to a recent report from The Scottish Sun, Steven Davis could be set for a move away come the New Year. The midfielder currently plays his football at Premier League outfit Southampton and has done so since leaving Rangers back in 2012, although a lack of regular game time this term has plunged his future at St Mary’s into huge doubt.
And reports suggest that new manager Ralph Hasenhuttl will allow the 33-year-old to leave the South Coast outfit in the January transfer window, with Steven Gerrard’s Rangers reportedly keen on luring the Northern Ireland international back to Ibrox.
And while a reunion with Davis would certainly bolster the Gers’ ranks, Gerrard must also seek to lure his Southampton teammate Matt Targett to the Light Blues in a bid to improve his flagging left back department.
The Breakdown
Ultimately, Gerrard’s side have given themselves a chance of winning the Scottish Premiership title heading into the second half of the season, although recent disappointments in losing at home to Aberdeen and drawing at bottom side Dundee suggests that they could do with some additions in the January window.
And 33-year-old Davis, who won three Scottish league titles with Rangers during his time at the club between 2008 and 2012, would no doubt add a huge amount to Gerrard’s midfield ranks, be it a bit more creativity as well as a vast amount of experience at the top level.
But it’s also clear that the club are in need of further reinforcements at left back, what with summer signing Borna Barisic the only natural left back at Ibrox, alongside the fact that he has spent the last few months on the sidelines.
And while midfielder Andy Halliday has done well deputising for the Croatia international, it’s a weakness that is only likely to get exploited as the season wears on – clearly, another accomplished option is needed in that area of the field.
And they should look no further than Southampton’s Targett, who has found regular first team football hard to come by at St Mary’s this term behind England international Ryan Bertrand.
The 23-year-old, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Fulham, has appeared just five times in the Premier League for the Saints so far this term to underline his lowly position in the pecking order, albeit three of those appearances have come in their last four matches.
Yes, opportunities may be even more forthcoming during the busy Christmas period, but overall one would expect former Chelsea ace Bertrand to regain his place as the number left back as the season wears on – yet at the age of 23, Targett is in need of regular football himself.
And that is why a move to Rangers makes sense for all parties involved – Gerrard’s side clearly need to strengthen that area of the pitch, while Targett clearly needs the regular football he may not get at Southampton.
Thus, while the Gers must seek to lure Davis to Ibrox, they must also try and lure his Saints teammate Targett to the club in the New Year.
Rangers fans… what do you think? Let us know!