Glasgow Rangers manager Michael Beale will be approaching the final few days of the window desperate to secure a couple more signings in order to improve his options at the Ibrox side.
A deal for midfielder Todd Cantwell has already been secured, however, with bids for Nicolas Raskin and Morgan Whittaker being rejected recently, the next few days could prove to be extremely crucial with regard to any further January incomings.
Reports state that Raskin has secured a pre-contract agreement with the club, however, despite a £2m bid for the winger, Beale is no further closer in a deal for Whittaker and it could be a big blow if he misses out.
Whittaker could be an upgrade on Sakala
Beale has begun life at Rangers in solid fashion, failing to win just one match – a credible 2-2 draw against Celtic in the Premiership – and despite failing to make up any ground on their Old Firm rivals, the signs have been positive that the 42-year-old can take the club into a new era with a renowned focus.
The Englishman has managed to rejuvenate a few players in the process, with Alfredo Morelos rediscovering his goalscoring boots, netting four times in seven matches since December, while Fashion Sakala has also improved his attacking output, registering seven goal contributions under Beale so far, having grabbed just two under Giovanni van Bronckhorst in the opening stages of the season.
Despite this improvement, Whittaker would no doubt prove to be a major upgrade on the Light Blues’ unpredictable forward, especially considering his form at League One side Plymouth during the first half of the campaign.
The 22-year-old netted nine times while registering seven assists, both better totals than Sakala this season and also making more key passes per game (1.3 to 1.1), creating more big chances (seven to four), and has more shots on target per match (1.1 to 0.7), suggesting the Englishman could be a bigger attacking threat if he joined the Gers.
Retired winger Jobi McAnuff praised Whittaker recently while speaking on Sky Sports News (via Wales Online) saying: “He’s a top, top young player. He’s been out on loan at Plymouth where’s he got nine goals and seven assists.
“He can play wide right or just behind the striker. He scores important goals, he’s a great dribbler, and carries the ball well. He’s a fluid player who links into the attack very well and he’s got a fantastic left foot.”
These impressive feats so far this season clearly prove Beale has got to make sure he succeeds in his pursuit of the youngster and the whiz could become a big part of the new direction he is taking Rangers in.
