Scott Wright has emerged as a target for Rangers (Getty Images)
According to Sky Sports, Rangers are planning to make an approach for Aberdeen attacker Scott Wright in the January transfer window.
The 23-year-old’s contract at the Pittodrie Stadium is due to expire at the end of the season and negotiations between the club and the player are yet to reach a positive conclusion. Wright has indicated that he’s not in a position to commit his future to the Dons, leaving the door open for him to hold talks with other clubs over a pre-contract agreement this month. (Evening Express h/t Sky Sports)
However, as per the report, Rangers are planning to do a deal in the January window as opposed to a free transfer in the summer. It is understood that Wright caught the eye of Gers boss Steven Gerrard during Aberdeen’s 2-1 defeat against the Scottish Premiership pace-setters on Sunday.
A youth exponent of Aberdeen, Wright made his first-team debut for the Dons back in 2014 but has never really been able to establish himself as a regular fixture at his boyhood club. The attacking midfielder has managed a paltry 75 appearances over seven-and-a-half seasons at the Pittodrie, with a string of injuries stalling his development.
Putting things into perspective, Rangers should avoid playing a gamble on Scott Wright in the winter market. The former Scotland U-21 international had been earmarked as a player with great potential earlier in his career but has struggled to live up to the expectations at Aberdeen. A tally of less than 100 senior appearances over more than seven seasons clearly doesn’t strike the right chords.
The 23-year-old does fit the bill as a versatile operator across the forward line, given his ability to play out wide on either side and through the middle in a No.10 role. However, the Gers are already well-stocked in their options on the flanks, with Ryan Kent, Kemar Roofe, Ianis Hagi and Joe Aribo all featuring regularly under Gerrard.
In truth, Rangers need to look for some quality attacking alternatives to reduce the workload on the regular starters. The likes of Brandon Barker, Jordan Jones and Greg Stewart have offered very little in recent months. Having said that, however, Wright hardly represents a genuine upgrade on the current bench options at Ibrox.
Moreover, his struggles with injuries at Aberdeen have been well-documented over the years, meaning he wouldn’t be a very reliable option for Rangers if they do end up striking a deal this month. Wright’s unresolved contract scenario at the Pittodrie remains a tempting factor but the Gers should be on the lookout for better options.
Currently 21 points clear of Celtic atop the standings, Rangers are clearly the hot favourites to end their long drought for a domestic title this season. The Gers have also shown a lot of promise in the Europa League over the past 12 months.
They made it through to the last-16 of the competition last term and have progressed to the knockout rounds this time around as the group toppers.
Having said that, Rangers need to channelise their recruitment drive towards European progress rather than looking at average players like Scott Wright. Going by his rather underwhelming career at Aberdeen, the 23-year-old is unlikely to get anywhere close to Gerrard’s first-team.