Rangers have joined the race to sign Everton defender Mason Holgate on loan, according to The Sun.
The 27-year-old is currently at English Championship side Southampton but he is not getting enough games, with the Saints having started him just 4 times since he moved to the South Coast on a temporary basis in August.
It is believed that Everton are ready to recall Holgate so he can get more minutes at another team for the second half of the season.
The Sun report that, in addition to the Light Blues, both Middlesbrough and Watford are interested in recruiting the centre-back when the January transfer window opens.
Rangers have been linked with a number of defenders
Manager Phillipe Clement does appear to be interested in reinforcing the middle of defence, based on the number of centre-halves that the Glasgow club are rumoured to be scouting.
Last month, it was reported that the Gers had been watching Hammarby defender Nathaniel Adjei, along with Celtic and a number of other European teams.
At the start of December, it was also mentioned that the two Old Firm teams were keen on recruiting former West Brom player Ahmed Hegazy on a free transfer.
Holgate would be an upgrade on the club’s current options
The former England Under 21 international has made 126 appearances in the Premier League, and that experience would certainly hold him in good stead if he moves to Ibrox.
With Clement favouring 35-year-old Leon Balogun over the likes of John Souttar and Ben Davies too, it would suggest that the Rangers boss is not too keen on those two centre-backs.
Holgate would, therefore, be seen as an improvement on the options currently at the manager’s disposal.