Rangers have been in contact with Claudio Marchisio over a potential switch to Ibrox, according to reports. The Light Blues are, however, not favourites to land the 33-year-old.
The midfielder, who won seven league titles with Juventus, is available on a free transfer after leaving Russian side Zenit St Petersburg in the summer. It is believed that the Gers are facing competition from Monaco and Brazilian club Flamengo for his signature.
Marchisio has had a long history of knee problems and played just 15 times last campaign after undergoing surgery. Some fans on Twitter believe Rangers should do all they can to sign the Italian while others are worried about his poor fitness record:
I don’t know how strong the Claudio Marchisio rumour is, but that would be an incredible signing for us. However, it gives me the fear as so many high profile experienced players have flopped in recent times ? Barton, Alves, Senderos etc.
— Greg Wright (@GregLeft) 10 September 2019
I still think the Marchisio to Rangers rumours are nothing more than agent talk, trying to drive up interest on his player.
— Copland Roar (@CF3Loyal) 11 September 2019
I'm not getting too carried away as it's probably just paper talk but I have just booked myself in for a tattoo of Claudio Marchisio lifting 55 with one arm and the UEFA cup with the other whilst Tav and Morelos hold the Cup and League cup by his side
— Adam ? (@AdamGlover1872) 11 September 2019
Marchisio to Rangers, on paper, sounds incredible.
I’m worried that the reality would be another Kranjcar; flashes of his old self here and there but ultimately past it and half the speed he used to be.
— Rangers Retro ⚽️ (@RangersRetroPod) 10 September 2019
You thought Defoe playing against east fife was weird wait till you see Marchisio strolling about Vs cowdenbeath
— CJ (@Cjnovo992) 11 September 2019
This Marchisio patter is reminding me of the Kranjcar deal too much…
— . (@macdonald1872) 10 September 2019
He probably doesnt have the legs anymore for a box to box player but has played as a defensive midfielder. Might be utilised in this area if his range of passing is still as good as it was.
— smudger72 (@LaneSmudger72) 10 September 2019
Sign him.
— Bob ????????? (@Captain_Nemo76) 10 September 2019
Apparently his knees are gone and thats why monaco pulled away from signing him
— Lee Me Alane (@LeeMcIntyre1) 10 September 2019
He is quality, but he's quality in a place we don't really need it. Would he improve the team? He probably would. Would I prefer we strengthened another position? Yes.
— ??????? ?? STEVIE (@snocher101) 11 September 2019
With the number of midfielders that manager Steven Gerrard has at his disposal, Marchisio would hardly be filling a problem position, but he has a wealth of experience and his quality would make him a standout player in the Scottish league.
Wages would likely be a stumbling block, though, and it’s hard to tell how often he would be available to play considering his injury history.