Rangers make intriguing transfer decision amid interest in £1.5m Portsmouth and Derby County target Luke Graham
Pompey are firmly in the race to sign in-demand Dundee centre-back Luke Graham, but a fresh twist has emerged in the pursuit.
Rangers have turned to another target to bolster their backline this summer.
The Gers have been heavily linked with Pompey target Luke Graham in recent months as the race to sign the Dundee defender intensifies.
The Scottish Premiership giants are believed to be admirers in the 22-year-old, who has been on the radar of as many as 43 clubs from England, Scotland and on the continent this summer.
Although John Mousinho’s side are fronting the pursuit for the in-demand centre-back, Rangers, who are now managed by Derek McInnes, have also been tracking the young talent.
Rangers sign defender amid interest in Pompey target Luke Graham
But the Gers have since delved into the market to sign a new central defender, with former Everton and Norwich City man Ben Godfrey instead making the move to Ibrox.
The experienced 26-year-old has completed a temporary switch to Glasgow, penning a season-long loan deal from Italian outfit Atalanta.
The defender amassed just five appearances during his two-year stint with the Serie A side, which has also included loan spells with Sheffield United, Ipswich Town and Danish club Brondby.
Godfrey now joins Emmanuel Fernandez and John Souttar in McIness’ backline, with the new Rangers boss highlighting the new signing’s vast top-flight experience as a key reason behind his arrival.
The head coach told the Gers’ official website: ‘Ben is a player who has competed at a very high level throughout his career.
‘He’s played in the Premier League, been involved with England, and brings a lot of experience with him.
‘He’s a strong, athletic defender with good qualities both on and off the ball, and we believe he can add a lot to the squad. We’re pleased to get him in, and I’m looking forward to working with him in the season ahead.’
Luke Graham transfer latest with Pompey in pursuit
It remains to be seen if Godfrey’s arrival implicates their pursuit of Graham, who is poised to depart Dundee this summer.
The Scotland youth international was left out of the Dark Blues’ pre-season opener against Livingston on Saturday, but is expected to jet out to Hungary to take part in a week-long training camp.
The chase to land the 22-year-old is heating up, with Pompey one of four Championship sides still keen, while Rangers, of course, have also been interested.
Graham is set to decide where his future lies, with his preference being a move to the English second tier.
Mousinho’s men pushed hard in the January window for the ex-Falkirk loanee, having had bids in the region of £1.5m rejected by the Scottish Premiership outfit.
A fee in those grounds with a sell-on clause inserted in the deal is expected to be enough to secure the 22-year-old’s services in the window, with the player able to leave Dens Park as a free agent next summer.