Jonathan Panzo is set to be the latest Rangers recruit to bolster Michael Beale's squad the summer.
Record Sport exclusively revealed that the England Under 21 international is nearing a £2.5million switch to Ibrox. He's worked with Beale before when the Londoner was on the academy coaching staff at Chelsea as Panzo was coming through the ranks. Now they are set to reunite as Beale seeks defensive back up after the departure of Filip Helander.
Panzo suffered Wembley heartbreak last month as Coventry City were denied a return to the English Premier League by Luton Town, who edged their playoff final. Panzo, who was on loan at the Sky Blues from Nottingham Forest, is now set to swap Nottingham Forest for Rangers as he moves on to a new challenge. It's likely Ross Wilson, now head of football operations at the City Ground, played a big part in the deal, having only departed Ibrox earlier this year and has a close relationship with Beale.
He knows all about the pending new arrival, but Record Sport gives you the lowdown.
Who is Jonathan Panzo?
The 22-year-old is an English defender who plays on loan at English Championship side Coventry City. He came through the youth ranks at Chelsea before signing for Monaco's second team in 2018. After a spell in the south of France he moved to Dijon then penned a deal at Nottingham Forest when they go promoted to the Premier League.
Forest boss Steve Cooper decided to loan Panzo out to Coventry where he has impressed at Mark Robins' outfit so far this season. Panzo has been given caps by England at under 16, 17, 18, 19 and 21 level.
What kind of player is he?
Panzo is left-footed so could make up a back three at Ibrox with Davies and Goldson, or he may have to challenge the pair for a starting berth if a move comes about. He played a number of games for Forest's under 23s and impressed assistant coach Dave Rogers. He said: "He is a great professional. He's enthusiastic and has got good experience and energy too. He brings a great vibe to the dressing room too.
"It's great to see Panzo getting more game time because he seems to be getting better and better each time he plays. It's been fantastic to have him with us and the boys have really enjoyed having him around. He's been great to coach."
Standing at 6ft1 he towers over strikers but also has the athletic ability to cope with players who are quicker. He has played 28 games this season and picked up seven yellow cards and one red so he is prone to the odd rumble with a striker.
Coventry use Panzo well at corners and that has paid off with Panzo scoring against Swansea City direct from the set piece in a 3-3 draw. Beale will be looking to improve his aerial threats at set pieces and Panzo could help solve that problem.
Panzo v Goldson and Davies
Connor Goldson has been a mainstay in the Rangers team since he arrived at Ibrox from Brighton and Hove Albion in 2018. The 6ft 3 defender, who signed a four-year extension in June last year, now has a solid partnership with Ben Davies at the heart of Beale's defence.
Beale made it clear he wanted to sign players that would be starters and not just bring in guys who would fill his squad. Comparing Panzo, Goldson and Davies on a number of key stats the young defender rivals the levels as the current centre-backs at Ibrox.
On average Goldson makes 76 passes a game at 90 per cent accuracy, while Davies makes 55 passes at 90 per cent. Panzo narrowly drops below the that with 38 passes on average at 88 per cent - but Coventry don't dominate the ball as much in Beale's men do in the Scottish Premiership. It's a different demand and the stats signal that Panzo would flourish at Ibrox/
Getting the ball back quick is a key part of Beale's tactics and Ponzo rivals the Ibrox duo in those figures. On average Goldson makes eight ball recoveries a game, while Davies makes seven. Ponzo, on average, makes six. Not far behind at all - which will encourage the Ibrox fans about the potential deal.
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