Jordan Jones (Image credit: Google)
According to Northern Echo, Middlesbrough are interested in signing Rangers forward Jordan Jones ahead of next season.
The 25-year-old came through the ranks of Boro’s youth system and spent time with Hartlepool United and Cambridge United on loan before joining Kilmarnock in the summer of 2016 on a free transfer. He immediately established himself as a key player for the Killies, scoring 11 goals and providing 22 assists in 119 games for the Scottish outfit.
Last summer, he joined Rangers on a free transfer and began to feature regularly before a knee injury hampered his progress. He was out of the squad for several months but hasn’t been the same since his return.
He has received limited opportunities but could be useful for the Gers in the long season. Thus, they should keep hold of the Northern Ireland international.
The Gers, meanwhile, lost the league title once again to Celtic’s dominance but they have got off to good start in the new campaign. They managed to beat Aberdeen by a goal and started the new season with a win.
Steven Gerrard has a plethora of attacking talents in his ranks, especially on the wings. However, only Ryan Kent has been used regularly on the left side of the attack. The other wingers in the squad are Glen Middleton, Jamie Murphy, Brandon Baker and Jones.
And none of them featured regularly last season. Thus, they must keep Jones and make him compete for a spot in the team as healthy competition would be a necessity as the season wears on.
The former Middlesbrough man was in fine form during his time at Kilmarnock. In his first season, he managed to contribute with 3 goals and 7 assists and followed it with 8 goals and 9 assists in the next two seasons. And if he is able to get back to his best, he could be a useful player for the Gers.
The 25-year-old is capable of playing on either flank and the Gers have limited options on the right side of the attack. Attacking midfielder Ianis Hagi has been operating on the right wing and holding onto Jones could help them keep their depth intact.
At 25, Jones has a huge future ahead of him and at Rangers, he could fulfil his potential. At the same time, the Gers could also do well with enough numbers in the attack and that could help them in their fight against Celtic’s dominance. Thus, they should avoid any sale of the Northern Ireland international.