Despite all the noise being about Morgan Whittaker and Nicolas Raskin, Michael Beale made a case for the Rangers defence being strengthened.
The January transfer window closes on Tuesday night and while Beale wants to beef up his midfield and attack, he had to draw attention to his defensive needs after they seemed to fly under the transfer radar. Connor Goldson and Ben Davies may be the first choice paring, but back ups John Souttar and Filip Helander have been long term injury absentees and are only just back in training. The Swede is also out of contract in the summer, so there's the longer-term to conasider as well.
James Sands has filled in but by now, it's clear he’s not going to be an automatic starter, and using John Lundstram at the back is for emergencies only, despite Gio van Bornckhorst’s fondness for it. Right and left back is pretty well covered, but more defensive depth in the middle is on the agenda between now and midnight on the 31st.
Record Sport looks at five defenders the Light Blues could try and snap up, either in the next few days or in the summer.
Dion Sanderson
Ross Wilson and John Park have already been to watch the Wolves defender, who was most recently on loan at Midlands rivals Birmingham City. He’s had five loans in as many years but needs to step up and play and prove that he has what it takes to make the grade at Molineux. A loan may suit both parties in the short term, but Rangers would prefer taking him permanently, which is more likely in the summer.
Sanderson is among the best players in the English Championship at successful interceptions - he averages six per game and recorded a season best 11 against Blackpool last month. His passing success rate isn't always perfect, however, he has been over 80 per cent in eight of his last 12 games.
Ben Wilmot
Harry Souttar may have taken all the headlines after a very impressive World Cup for Australia had Leicester City trying to do a deal to sign him, but defensive partner Ben Wilmot should not be overlooked. The 23-year-old can play either left or right sided centre back and would certainly be a cheaper option than Souttar, who is most likely out of Rangers' financial reach now. And if Stoke are faced with the prospect of losing one of their centre backs, then Wilmott may be the easier sell.
Wilmot is among the top five defenders in the Championship in passes per game (49 per game) and retains a strong reputation as a player of merit despite the Potters' woes in recent seasons. He and partner Harry Souttar both boast positional versatility. The 23-year-old is under contract until 2025.
Ethan Ampadu
A starter for Wales during the World Cup, Ampadu is currently on loan in Serie A with Spezia. HIs versatility could appeal, as he can cover at right back as well as in defensive midfield. Is contracted to Chelsea until the summer of 2024, but is unlikely to get a look in at Stamford Bridge.
Ampadu is Mr Versatile but he is also nearing Michael Hector status at Chelsea with his stint with Spezia his fourth consecutive season out on loan. But his time in Serie A has been positive with monster numbers in terms of challenges (12) per game and interceptions (7.1 per match). That is aided by his double duty with almost half his minutes coming in central midfield - a role which he featured in for Wales at the World Cup.
Pantelis Chatzidiakos
Another versatile option, Chatzidiakos, who holds both Greek and Dutch citizenship, can play at either centre back or right back. Is under contract at AZ Alkmaar until 2024, so a summer raid might be more successful as he enters the final year of his deal there.
The Greek defender plays every week for Eredivisie title contenders AZ and is closing in on consecutive 50-game seasons. He does a lot of things well but his elite passing - among the best in Dutch football - makes him a logical fit to the way Rangers play. Seriously, his accuracy has only dipped below 82 per cent twice since September and he averages over 60 per match. He likes a tackle as well so appears ready for the rigours of Scottish football.
Jack Fitzwater
Maybe not an obvious choice at first glance. But set pieces have been a bit of weak point for Rangers, while Livingston take pride in excelling at them. David Martindale is always effusive in his praise for Fitzwater, who is a mainstay of the well organised Lions backline. Is out of contract in the summer so wouldn't require the gers to splash out.
Fitzwater has been among the best interceptors of a ball in Scottish football over the past three seasons and is averaging nine per game this year for the Lions. Over the same timespan he wins over 60 per cent of his aerial duels which is no mean feat among the hustle and bustle of Scottish football's top tier. He's not likely to wow you with his range of passing but the man valued in the six-figure range is a solid option.
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