Rangers exploring other options after deal for Kean Bryan falls through

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard is in a rush to complete his transfer business after a deal to sign Kean Bryan fell through.

Kean Bryan
Published 30th Jul 2018
Last updated 30th Jul 2018

Gerrard targeted the Manchester City academy graduate, who can play in defence and midfield, after he impressed on loan with Oldham last season.

But Gerrard is now looking elsewhere for a central defender after talks with the 21-year-old ended.

We have loads of targets that we have been monitoring and looking at,'' said Gerrard after giving 19-year-old Kyle Bradley 45 minutes of action in central defence during a 3-0 friendly win over Wigan.

Unfortunately we couldn't get an agreement with Kean. He wants to keep his options open and we respect that. You can see quite clearly that we need a centre-back so that is definitely an area that we are trying to add in. Hopefully it will be sooner rather than later.''

Gerrard is also looking for a centre-forward but would not expand on the club's failed #200,000 bid for Hearts striker Kyle Lafferty.

When asked if he wanted new players in before next Sunday's Ladbrokes Premiership opener against Aberdeen, Gerrard said: I would love that. I hope it is tomorrow. I am in a rush.''

Meanwhile, Gerrard played down an injury to striker Alfredo Morelos, who hit the opener against the Sky Bet Championship side before going off.

I think it's just a bang, he'll get checked out but we're not too concerned about it,'' the former Liverpool captain said.

He showed his importance again, the first goal is always important. He's in that area where we like him, and if we get the right deliveries and the right service into him he'll score.''

Josh Windass missed the game with an ankle knock while winger Glenn Middleton featured at left-back amid injuries to Declan John and Lee Wallace