Rangers

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We asked for your views on Rangers new centre-back signing, Emmanuel Fernandez.

Here's what some of you said:

Jim: He may be shocked, but not as much as most of the fans.

A career in the lower leagues so far, and at 23 now, doesn't bode well. It's the kind of signing we're used to seeing at Dundee and St Mirren - no disrespect intended. The new manager may be feeling the need to stabilise a wobbly ship, but that simply isn't enough for Rangers.

If this is where we're at, I truly fear for another wretched season.

Matt: If we can sign an experienced centre-half to play next to him, we can't rely on John Souttar to stay fit, then this will be good business. Hopefully get a few more in, preferably wide attacking players and a striker. Plenty of reason for optimism.

Matthew: Underwhelmed, but hoping to be proved wrong. With phrases like "I'm used to the manager's style of play from being at Peterborough," it doesn't fill you with confidence.

If the club's aim with Russell Martin in charge is to be of English League One calibre and style of play, then that is not what Rangers fans want to hear. I really hope I'm wrong and that Fernandez is an undiscovered gem, but so far none of the signings seem to be ones to get excited about.

Rab: Squad is building, but we need more, and we need some proven quality. It needs to be soon though, with Champions League qualifiers fast approaching. In 49ers we trust!

Tom: Martin obviously sees a future for Fernandez, but he has not got enough experience to be considered first team material at this stage. One for the future?

Kenny: Personally I think Fernandez is a poor signing. Peterborough in League One, the fans have said nothing good about him and are glad he's away and they made good money from him. This isn't what Rangers need. They need better quality.

Ronnie: The Fernandez signing may be good or bad. Rangers have signed so many players in the past four seasons who, on paper, looked like great signings only for them to be totally hopeless. I'm keeping my powder dry and will give an opinion once I see them playing in a Rangers jersey.

Alex: Sorry but he sounds like a project with "potential". Why is Martin not signing players who are ready to hit the ground running? This signing has said that he has never played at this level before? What is going on, we need established players with plenty of experience, not Martin's old friends.

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We asked for your views after Joe Rothwell signed a three-year deal with Rangers.

Here's what some of you said:

Billy: Rothwell is a very average signing. I hope that he over-achieves, but I remain unconvinced.

Grant: Does Martin know we want to be winning? With this type of business we are going nowhere. Not seeing the £20 million, in this transfer or indeed any other.

Frazer: How does signing a 30-year-old fit with the model of buy and sell? Not good enough for a regular place in either Bournemouth or Leeds but apparently a style man for Rangers. Low expectations and logos may be next season's promise.

Brian: This is a great signing. If this is the calibre of player we are signing then Martin is building a strong squad for the season ahead.

Rothwell is a seasoned pro having proven himself with two Championship winning teams in a very tough league.

He will provide extra steel in the midfield with Nicolas Raskin and Connor Barron and hopefully impose themselves on other teams.

His physical presence alone in defence will be a major plus. This is a significant signing and one that fills me with confidence for the season ahead.

Sue: Rothwell has a proven pedigree with Southampton and Leeds in their promotions from the English Championship which is recognised as a very long and tough season.

He will be a great asset to Rangers to give strength in midfield and much needed confidence in the defence.

I look forward to him coming up against Callum McGregor in the Old Firm games and stamping his authority and showing that the balance of power has finally shifted to Rangers. This is a great signing.

Ivie: Rothwell will do the business. I watched quite a lot of Leeds' games and he was the main man of the midfield, he will do well I'm sure.

Rangers had a verbal offer of £1m for Lennon Miller rejected a year ago but have not inquired again since for the 18-year-old Motherwell midfielder recently capped by Scotland. (Daily Record), external

Reports that David Brooks' move to West Bromwich Albion is off has opened the door for a reunion with Rangers head coach Russell Martin, who worked with the 27-year-old Bournemouth winger at Southampton. (Sky Sports), external

Norway midfielder Thelo Aasgaard is set for a medical with Rangers before the 23-year-old's proposed move from Luton Town. (Scottish Sun), external

Rangers will pay Luton Town £5m for Norway midfielder Thelo Aasgaard. (Four Lads Had a Dream podcast), external

Wales midfielder Tom Lawrence is keen on signing for Wrexham after being freed by Rangers. (Daily Mail), external

Read the rest of Friday's Scottish gossip.

Listen as Martin Dowden previews the season ahead for Rangers with Joshua Barrie, editor of the Rangers Review, and comedian and fan Rosco McClelland.

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Former Newcastle United defender Mike Williamson has joined Rangers as a first-team coach in Russell Martin's backroom team, alongside goalkeeping coach Salvatore Bibbo.

Following his successful playing career, which also included a stint at Wycombe Wanderers with manager Martin, Williamson was manager at Gateshead, MK Dons and most recently, Carlisle United.

Bibbo, who was also enjoyed a career between the sticks, has coached at Arsenal, Brighton and Sheffield Wednesday.

"I played with Mike at Wycombe Wanderers so we go back a long way, and I know the qualities he can bring to this group," Martin told club media.

"As a player he played at the very top level and is an experienced coach having been a manager himself.

"I am also really happy to bring Sal into the team. He has a lot of experience and a strong track record of developing goalkeepers.

"After speaking to him it was clear that his knowledge and character will be a real asset to the players and the staff, and I am looking forward to working with them both."

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Emmanuel Fernandez admits he was "shocked" to learn of Rangers' interest in him but believes this is "the perfect place to be" after joining from Peterborough.

Fernandez, 23, signed a four-year deal with Russell Martin's side in a move he believes can "kickstart" his career.

The defender was released by League Two Gillingham in 2020 and played non-league football before spending the last four years at Peterborough.

"I heard about [the interest from Rangers] a couple weeks ago and to be honest, I was shocked because I was thinking that's a big club, they play in Europe, they have a great fan base.

"I've watched a lot of games before, I've watched the Old Firm derby as well and it's a place where I really wanted to be."

Fernandez also believes the timing of his move is "100% right" after becoming Rangers' fourth summer signing.

"It feels like the team's building,"he added. "The team's going to grow with a new manager.

"Also, I've seen his style of play and it's a style of play that I'm used to coming from Peterborough, so it's something I definitely can't wait to get started on and it's something I really want to do."

Late last night, Rangers signed "really promising defender" Emmanuel Fernandez from Peterborough.

Sporting director Kevin Thelwell added the 23-year-old has shown impressive "dedication, work rate and ambition".

Now you've had the morning to scour social media for show reels, we want to know what you make of his signing.

Give us your thoughts here.

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Rangers are in talks to sign Norway midfielder Thelo Aasgaard following Luton Town's relegation to League One, but the English club will be wanting a decent profit on the £3m they paid to Wigan Athletic for the 23-year-old in January. (Daily Mail), external

Wolverhampton Wanderers centre-half Nasser Djiga is in talks to join Rangers on a season-long loan. (Express And Star), external

Jamie Vardy has reportedly told suitors he wants to be a regular starter for his next club with Rangers "keen" on a deal (Daily Record), external.

Read Thursday's Scottish gossip in full.

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Emmanuel Fernandez admits he "was shocked" that a club as "huge" as Rangers were interested in his services before signing a four-year contract and exiting Peterborough United.

The 23-year-old centre-half was in a side that finished 18th in League One last season but now has the prospect of playing in the Champions League.

"I am honoured," he told Rangers' website. "It is a huge club with a great fanbase and I think I can kickstart my career and have a good journey here.

"I was shocked when I heard about Rangers, because it is such a big club, but it was the place I wanted to be.

"I haven't played at this level, there will be a lot of life changes for me, but it is something I want to be part of and I can't wait to get started."

Starting as a youth with Brentford, Fernandez signed senior terms with Gillingham but was released after loan spells with Sheppey United and Margate.

He then spent a year with Ramsgate before joining Peterborough in 2021, but it was not until after further loans to Spalding United and Barnet that he became a first-team regular, making 42 appearances last season.

Rangers head coach Russell Martin believes Fernandez has "a huge amount of potential".

He said: "He has a strong physical presence, is a commanding defender and I believe, in this environment, we can help him develop and provide him with the opportunities to take his game to the next level."

Sporting director Kevin Thelwell added that Rangers "have been impressed with his development and journey from non-league football to League One".

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Joe Rothwell says the size of Rangers, coupled with reuniting with his former manager Russell Martin, made the decision to choose Ibrox as his next destination an "immediate yes".

The 30-year-old midfielder spent the second half of the 2023-24 season on loan at Southampton, where he helped Martin gain promotion to the Premier League.

Rothwell then spent last term on loan at Leeds United, where he also achieved promotion to England's top tier.

He has signed for Rangers from Bournemouth on a three-year contract.

"The size of the club speaks for itself," Rothwell said. "As soon as the interest was there it was an immediate yes from me.

"With Russell coming in too, it made that decision a little bit easier because of working with him in the past and I know what type of guy he is and how he wants to do things.

"That was an even bigger pull for me, but the club speaks for itself."

Rangers fans, what do you make of the signing of Rothwell? Send us your thoughts.

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We asked for your views on how Rangers should address Hamza Igamane's future.

The Moroccan striker continues to be linked with a potential big-money move away from Ibrox.

Here's what some of you said:

Josh: If Rangers want to survive financially they need to not be afraid to sell players when they are offered sizeable fees for them. It can be done as Celtic are able to sell players for record highs in Scottish football and win leagues. Rangers need long-term financial stability and this only comes with selling players strategically. Rangers need to invest in their youth academy, as if done well then potential profits far exceed the extra funding needed.

Brian: Would not be overly disappointed to see Igamane leave providing the club get a sizeable fee for him. He displayed flashes of a great talent but didn't do it often enough throughout the season and seemed to switch off and not put in the hard graft when the team needed him.

Sean: There's talk of £15m. Absolutely sell him for that kind of money. That's crazy money for our back-up striker.

Billy: Hamza has been a great find. Truth is he's a rough diamond and one I would like to see develop at Rangers. Brutal fact is we are now a selling club, but he shouldn't go for less than £20 million.

Sally: Igamane is young with so much potential. If Rangers retain Cyriel Dessers he will need competition. Igamane's value will increase with age. If Rangers cannot attract new, talented players, retain what we have.

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Rangers have agreed a deal with Bournemouth to sign 30-year-old midfielder Joe Rothwell, who spent last season on loan at Leeds United. (Sky Sports), external

And Rangers are in talks with Chelsea over a potential loan deal for 19-year-old defender Ishe Samuels-Smith, but face competition from Sunderland, Middlesbrough and Stoke City. (football.london), external

Meanwhile, Rangers forward Hamza Igamane, 22, has landed in France as he prepares to undergo his Lille medical before a big money move to Ligue 1. (Africa Foot & Soccer 212 via Record, external)

Basel are determined to beat Rangers to the signature of midfielder Metinho, 22, after the Brazilian was on loan at the Swiss club from France's Troyes last term. (Glasgow Times), external

Vicente Pizarro, a reported target of Rangers, is holding talks over his future with Chilean club Colo Colo. (Record), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish gossip

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Another day, another transfer rumour linking Hamza Igamane with a move away from Rangers.

Recent reports suggest the Moroccan striker is closing in on a move to France to join Ligue 1 side Lille.

The 22-year-old impressed in spells last season, scoring 16 goals in 46 games across all competitions.

An incredible hat-trick at Hibernian and a stunning Old Firm winner at Celtic were among his highlights, but Cyriel Dessers was often the preferred option at centre forward.

The rumour mill suggests Rangers' new hierarchy are open to selling the forward if the price is right, but would you be content with him leaving?

Given Igamane joined just last summer for a reported fee of about £2m, there is a potential opportunity to make a large profit.

So if he was to exit Ibrox, how much should he be departing for? Send us your thoughts.

Lille have agreed a deal with Rangers to sign Morocco forward Hamza Igamane, with AS FAR, from whom the Ibrox club signed the 22-year-old, receiving nearly 30% of the transfer fee. (Kora Maroc), external

Rangers striker Hamza Igamane is closing in on an agreement to join Ligue 1 outfit Lille after Everton and West Ham United decided against pursuing the 22-year-old because they do not think he is ready for the Premier League. (Football Insider), external

Issame Charai, who left Rangers' coaching team to become Westerlo team boss this summer, says leaving Ibrox had not crossed Hamza Igamane's mind when they last spoke, but it believed Lille have stepped up their interest in the 22-year-old and his fellow Moroccan is now keen on the move to France. (Scottish Sun), external

Besiktas have submitted an initial offer ranging from £8.5m to £10.3m for 23-year-old Rangers and Ivory Coast midfielder Mohamed Diomande. (Fussball Europa), external

Rangers have set their sights on agreeing a deal to sign Jamie Vardy on a free transfer following the 38-year-old England striker's departure from Leicester City. (Football Insider), external

Conor Coady has returned to Leicester City for pre-season training despite ongoing talks over a move to Rangers for the 32-year-old England centre-half being at an advanced stage. (Daily Record), external

FC Zurich want to bring back 24-year-old winger Samuel Ballet from Como for a second loan spell, but Rangers, Norwich City and Trabzonspor are much further ahead in the race to secure the former Swiss youth international and are holding concrete talks. (Blick Sport), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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BBC Sport has taken a look at which players will be free agents on 1 July.

The majority of major football leagues run from late summer to late spring, with pre-season in June and July. Therefore, contracts across most divisions typically expire at 23:59 on 30 June each year.

Those whose contracts are expiring but have already agreed transfers to new clubs are not included, as they will not become free agents.

Some Scottish Premiership contracts expire on 31 May rather than 30 June - the below players either already are or will become free agents.

Aberdeen: Tom Ritchie

Celtic: Greg Taylor

Dundee: Scott Fraser, Antonio Portales, Joe Shaughnessy

Dundee United: David Babunksi, Allan Campbell, Lewis Moult, Bryan Mwangi

Falkirk: N/A

Hearts: Jorge Grant, Barrie McKay, Lawrence Shankland

Hibernian: Maksymilian Boruc, Junior Hoilett

Kilmarnock: Kyle Magennis, Kieran O'Hara, Kyle Vassell

Livingston: N/A

Motherwell: Moses Ebiye, Harry Paton, Dominic Thompson, Davor Zdravkovski

Rangers: Adam Devine, Tom Lawrence, Ianis Hagi

St. Mirren: Dennis Adeniran, Elvis Bwomono

Rangers hope to beat Basel to the signature of Brazilian midfielder Metinho after the Swiss club had an offer for the 22-year-old rejected following his loan spell from Troyes. (Scottish Sun), external

Former Rangers striker Jermain Defoe says Leicester City centre-half Conor Coady's "eyes lit up" over the prospect of signing for the Ibrox club and the 32-year-old is eager to complete the transfer. (Daily Record), external

Ecuador midfielder Jose Cifuentes has confirmed he has returned to Rangers after Aris Thessaloniki could not raise the money needed to make the 26-year-old a permanent signing despite the Ibrox club extending the deadline and reducing the £3m fee following his loan spell in Greece. (The National), external

With no transfer agreed for Rangers 30-year-old Cyriel Dessers, AEK Athens head coach Marko Nikolic has insisted he is not worried about signing delays, telling Gazzetta, external that he still has plenty of forward options and that his priority is a left-back. (Gazzetta via The Scottish Sun), external

While AEK Athens are very keen on Cyriel Dessers - with the Nigeria striker having shook hands on a £30,000-per-week contract - a transfer fee has yet to be agreed, with Rangers hoping to make a profit on the £4.5m they paid for the 30-year-old in 2023. (Daily Record), external

Queens Park Rangers aimed a cheeky dig at Rangers following the Championship club's capture of 23-year-old Ghana midfielder Kwame Poku from Peterborough United for around £300,000 in compensation, the London club's X account announcing that: "Kwame Poku signs for THE Rangers", followed by a winking face emoji. (Glasgow Times), external

Romania legend Ilie Dumitrescu has revealed that Ianis Hagi told him he had turned down an offer with Legia Warsaw but is in advanced discussions with clubs in the top five European leagues following the 26-year-old midfielder's exit from Rangers. (Spotmedia), external

Newcastle United beat several Premier League rivals to the signature of 16-year-old Rangers striker Alfie Hutchison. (Fabrizio Romano on X), external

Brighton & Hove Albion forward Zebedee Lawson's agent has taken to Instagram to hint that the 16-year-old's transfer to Rangers is imminent. (Daily Record), external

Read Monday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Football finance expert Kieran Maguire appeared on the BBC's Reporting Scotland programme to discuss Rangers' new ownership.

Here's the best of what he had to say:

On how far £20m of investment will go for Rangers:

"It will certainly help. Rangers have sizeable debts. Its wage bill is parallel to that of Celtic.

"The amount invested in players in terms of the total cost of the squad is the same, but the revenue generated by Rangers is around about £35 million less than that of Celtic, and that means that Rangers have been losing money.

" I think the previous board, they felt that they had reached the point where they couldn't continue to inject that money.

"So, now we've got Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Investments coming in, taking control, and that could potentially give the club greater direction. And of course, putting money in, which from the pronouncements that we've seen, is certainly going to help the playing budget."

On how Rangers go about bridging financial gap between themselves and Celtic:

"Celtic are in a very strong position financially. They've got over £70 million in the bank compared to Rangers having less than two, and this was before the announcement.

"So they do have a very strong position, Celtic, there's no doubt about it.

"I would say that they've been relatively cautious in terms of their investment in the squad over the past few years, and this has allowed Rangers to certainly catch up in terms of the amount of money being invested.

"I think what we really need to see at Rangers is money being spent smartly rather than large signings coming in.

"We've seen that be successful elsewhere, and we've also seen those clubs that have just spent the cash because they've got a new owner, they've got a new injection - that doesn't necessarily translate to ultimately what Rangers fans want, where being second in Glasgow is being nowhere."

On what re-registering as a private limited company, instead of being publicly listed, means for Rangers:

"Yeah, it won't affect fans at all.

"Instead of having the additional compliance costs of being a public listed company, and the shares weren't being traded on a standard market, it simply means that Rangers will revert to individual transactions between shareholders going through on a private basis. So it's nothing for fans to get worked up about."

Rangers hope to this week finalise a deal to sign Leicester City defender Conor Coady, 32. (Daily Record), external

Talks continue between Lille and Rangers over the potential transfer of Ibrox forward Hamza Igamane, 22. (Sun), external

Newcastle United have tied up a double raid on Rangers to sign youth players Alfie Hutchinson and Oliver Goodbrand, both 16. (Daily Record), external

Former Rangers chairman Sir David Murray reveals he urged the club's board not to sack manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst in 2022. (Sun), external

Read the rest of Sunday's Scottish gossip.

Lille are ready to switch their sights to fresh targets, despite the French club having held talks with the agent of Hamza Igamane and agreed terms on a lucrative three-year contract with the 22-year-old forward, after getting cold feet over Rangers' £15m valuation. (Daily Record), external

Having had an opening bid of £14.5m for Hamza Igamane rejected by Rangers, Lille are poised to make a second offer for the 22-year-old and £15-£16m, plus potential add-ons, will be enough to seal a deal. (TeamTalk), external

Hamza Igamane is very excited about the prospect of playing in Ligue 1 after a verbal agreement was reached with Lille, although Strasbourg and Rennes are also in the running for a transfer that could cost more than £12m. (Foot Mercato, external - in French)

Rangers remain in advanced talks to sign Leicester City centre-half Conor Coady and all parties are hopeful of concluding the 32-year-old's Ibrox switch early next week. (Football Insider), external

Dundee are still in the dark as to the compensation they will receive for Lyall Cameron, who has joined Rangers, and fellow midfielder Josh Mulligan, who has signed for Hibernian. (Daily Record), external

Legia Warsaw head coach Edi Iordanescu has revealed he has held talks with Romania midfielder Ianis Hagi but conceded the 26-year-old released by Rangers is out of his club's price range. (The Herald), external

Rangers have agreed a deal to sign highly-rated forward Zebedee Lawson, 16, from Brighton. (Football Insider), external

Rangers are set to retain three 17-year-olds within their academy under new ownership and structure to develop academy players, with midfielder Calum Adamson, centre-half Jack Wyllie and winger Max Cameron have all agreed two year contracts at the club. (Fabrizio Romano on X), external

Read the rest of Saturday's Scottish gossip.

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