The January transfer window is over a third of the way over, and an increasingly restless Rangers fans is waiting for their first signing of 2025.
Philippe Clement remained tight-lipped when asked about the situation as Rangers’ away difficulties continued against Dundee on Thursday night, however the window might soon open if Cyriel Dessers leaves in the coming days.
Rangers have started conversations with interested teams about Dessers. According to sources, the £4.5 million signing from Cremonese has piqued the interest of Italian and French clubs, and his departure would undoubtedly increase Clement’s budget.
While Dessers may need to be replaced by another centre-forward, Rangers believe they are more in need of reinforcements at the other end of the pitch.
Clement was missing John Souttar, Leon Balogun, Dujon Sterling, and Neraysho Kasanwirjo again at Dens Park. As such, the Rangers boss was compelled to offer Clinton Nsiala a Premiership debut, the former AC Milan youth arguably the standout performer on another terrible night.
Watford manager dismisses Ryan Porteous rumours amid Rangers claim
Scotland international Ryan Porteous is one option the Gers could examine.
Former Rangers captain Craig Moore praised Porteous last week. Watford manager Tom Cleverley is determined to put an end to the speculations, stating that allegations Porteous is unhappy at Vicarage Road are inaccurate.
“I spoke to Ryan this morning, and we cleared the air,” Cleverley stated during his press appearance on Friday. “I’m not sure where the reports came from, and I don’t believe there are any quotes in the story.
“He is one of several of our players who have sparked some interest, but Ryan is a Watford player who is currently in the running for selection. He is professional and experienced enough to keep his focus on the task at hand.
“He is a Watford player. He’s available for selection and is completely focused on performing his job for Watford.”
Former Rangers captain Craig Moore praised Porteous last week. Watford manager Tom Cleverley is determined to put an end to the speculations, stating that allegations Porteous is unhappy at Vicarage Road are inaccurate.
“I spoke to Ryan this morning, and we cleared the air,” Cleverley stated during his press appearance on Friday. “I’m not sure where the reports came from, and I don’t believe there are any quotes in the story.
The Championship club reportedly paid about £500,000 to buy Porteous from Rangers’ Scottish Premiership rivals Hibernian in 2023. The Edinburgh-born 25-year-old would thus be about as low-risk a signing as you could imagine in terms of prospective winter additions, the type of player who could stroll right into Clement’s XI without requiring a lengthy period of adaptation.
Clement, speaking after Rangers dropped 15 points behind Old Firm rivals Celtic in the Premiership table on Thursday night, argues that criticisms about the club’s lack of transfer activity should be addressed by chief executive Patrick Stewart in the coming days.
“Like I said a few days ago, and I think it’s said to everybody already, Patrick will address that in the next couple of days,” Clement tells me.
“We have everyday talks about everything, about January, about next season, about everything.”
Craig Moore speaks about the Porteous to Ibrox proposal.
Rangers will face St Johnstone this weekend, marking a welcome return to Ibrox for a club that has won only three of its 11 Premiership away games this season.
“He knows the domestic game inside out,” Moore told the Go Radio Football Show this week, explaining why Porteous would be a good fit at Ibrox.
“If he’s not playing for Watford. Look, those types of players are probably worth considering for me. If they are not getting enough playing time down south. Not a poor choice at all. We know he’d be perfectly well up here.
“He’s not going to come across something he’s not aware of. He has seen and experienced it. I am confident that I am naturally left-handed and extremely physical. He will be one of several choices that I am confident the Rangers will consider.
