Rangers in advanced talks to sign Ross McCrorie despite English clubs interest

Rangers are expected to get a deal over the line for Bristol City right-back Ross McCrorie, sources have told Football Insider.

The Gers are closing in on the 28-year-old's signature as he looks set to return to the club where his professional career started.

James Tavernier ended his 11-year stint at the Light Blues and Derek McInnes needs a replacement for the 34-year-old Englishman in G51.

McCrorie seems to be on his way to Ibrox, despite English clubs also looking to sign the two-cap Scotland international from Bristol.

Sources say that the Glasgow giants are in pole position to agree a deal and it expected to get done in the coming weeks.

As things stand, the defender's current contract at Ashton Gate expires at the end of next season and that has encouraged suitors to explore a deal.

Steven Gerrard highly rated the Scottish ace during his time at the Govan side and the likelihood is growing that he could make a return to his boyhood club.

After taking over the Gers in 2018, Gerrard publicly called out Pedro Caixinha's insistence on playing McCrorie at centre-back.

In the Liverpool icon's first season in charge at Ibrox, he was a regular member of the first-team squad, mostly playing as a defensive midfielder in his 31 appearances during the 2018-19 campaign.

In search of regular game time, the versatile Scot spent time on loan at Portsmouth and Aberdeen before completing a permanent move to the English outfit.

Gerrard had high hopes for the academy graduate during his time at the Glaswegian outfit and he now has an opportunity to redeem himself under McInnes.

Speaking to the media about McCrorie during his time in charge, the former English midfielder said, "I believe the club have a gem if he is coached and given the right guidance."

During McRorie's time under McInnes at Aberdeen, he played in several positions, including centre-back, defensive-midfield and right-back.

Football Insider transfer correspondent Pete O'Rourke shared on 22 June that Rangers will be looking to get over £20million for Nicolas Raskin, with the Belgium international's exit on the cards.

The Bristol star provides the Scottish manager with plenty of options and it wouldn't be surprising to see him being deployed in the engine room if needed.