Rangers close to double-deal for Goldson and Ejaria
Rangers have opened talks with Connor Goldson after agreeing a £3million fee with Brighton - but they will have to wait to land Liverpool youngster Ovie Ejaria.
The Gers finally reached an acceptable valuation for Seagulls centre-back Goldson at lunchtime on Wednesday following weeks of back-and-forth haggling.
That has now paved the way for Ibrox chiefs to start negotiations with the 25-year-old and his representatives.
The Light Blues are confident he can be persuaded to join Steven Gerrard's revolution but, with a medical still to be organised, they do not expect the deal to be signed off until early next week.
Their hopes of luring Reds midfielder Ejaria to Glasgow on a season-long loan have also hit a snag.
Gers were hoping to announce the 20-year-old as Gerrard's fourth summer signing following the captures of Scott Arfield, Allan McGregor and Jamie Murphy.
He is still expected to follow Gerrard north from Anfield, but it could again take a few days to get the move across the line.
The signing of Goldson will come as a major relief to the fretful Light Blues faithful, who have long been concerned about their leaky defence.
While Gers topped the Ladbrokes Premiership scoring charts last term, the 50 league goals they conceded was worse than any of their top-six rivals.
Bruno Alves, Fabio Cardosso, David Bates, Ross McCrorie and Russell Martin were all tried out in the centre of defence as Pedro Caixinha and then Graeme Murty looked to tighten up without success.
New boss Gerrard will hope Goldson can finally provide the steady hand Rangers need as he looks to take his side through the Europa League qualifiers before challenging Celtic domestically