Former Celtic defender Greg Taylor has been pitched as a potential Rangers target this summer. The 28-year-old defender called time on his trophy-laden six years with the Hoops last summer by joining Greek side PAOK.
However, the Scotland cap struggled for regular game time with the Thessaloniki side last term – and things have not improved in his second season so far. Taylor has been deployed in midfield as cover, but under new boss Alessio Lisci has dropped to fourth-choice left-back.
Celtic link and other suitors
Celtic had Taylor on a shortlist of loan targets to cover Kieran Tierney for the new season, but are closing in on a deal for Chelsea left-back Landon Emenalo. Record Sport understands La Liga outfit Malaga, as well as English Championship side Burnley, are also keen on Taylor.
Former Ibrox striker Kevin Kyle reckons Rangers could enter the running following an injury to Tuur Rommens. Discussing a return to Glasgow's East End for Taylor, Kyle told Go Radio: "I think if there is an option to take Greg Taylor as a back-up then I could totally be on board with it, because he had a really successful Celtic career."
Rangers' striker search
Rangers are also eyeing a striker to replace the injured Youssef Chermiti. Record Sport understands Portland Timbers frontman Kevin Kelsy is an option, while reports have suggested contact has been made with Sheffield United over a deal for Ryan One.
The Light Blues could also revive a deal for Leeds United attacker Joel Piroe as he appears to be inching closer to the Elland Road exit. In January, the Glasgow giants had lined up a late move to take the Dutchman from the Premier League if a deal to bring Ryan Naderi in from Hansa Rostock could not be completed.
Piroe's situation at Leeds
Leeds Live report the Suriname international has now been "phased out" of Daniel Farke's pre-season plans. Asked about the lack of minutes for the frontman in the last two friendly fixtures, Farke noted that two strikers are currently ahead of him in the pecking order: "So, the reason is just like we had two games of 60 minutes, and Dominic [Calvert-Lewin] missed the first part of pre-season."
"He desperately needed the 60 minutes today [vs RB Leipzig]. And yeah, also Lukas Nmecha was in a good shape, has scored goals, was then slightly ahead of Joel Piroe in the striker role. This is the only reason. But of course, tough anyhow for Joel. But during the long season, we have to take some tough decisions. And right now, we are on the stage of pre-season where I can’t just say ‘OK, you play 30 minutes and the other 30 minutes, whatever’."
"They need, right now, a proper chunk of minutes, and that’s the only reason. No problems at all with Joel. He’s training fully-focused, concentrated and professional like always." Earlier this summer former Ibrox vice-chairman and Leeds chairman Paraag Marathe of the 49ers admitted he was keen to see players move between the Scottish Premiership and Premier League clubs.
