Rangers legend Derek Johnstone is backing Filip Helander to be a success at the club if he seals his move from Bologna.

The Gers are said to be closing in on a £3.5m deal for the defender, who would be manager Steven Gerrard’s most expensive summer signing.

Johnstone says that after doing his research on Helander, he has been left very impressed with his leadership qualities on the pitch:

“Having watched a bit of him over the last few days, I have been impressed with what I have seen of him. Importantly, he doesn’t look like someone who is short of a word and he is a vocal character.”

The addition of Helander to the squad will provide Gerrard with a host of options at centre-half. Connor Goldson would likely be favoured to partner the Swede, but Nikola Katic and George Edmundson will also be vying for a place in the side.

If the club are going to mount a serious title challenge this season, they will need to have a solid defence and fans will be hoping Helander can hit the ground running and prove to be a rock at the back.