Rangers

Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland

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Former Rangers manager Steven Gerrard says "maverick" Alfredo Morelos was "tough to manage" and admits the striker's unruly behaviour was part of the reason behind the signings of Jermain Defoe and Kemar Roofe.

Morelos scored 46 goals in 96 games during Gerrard's three-year spell in Glasgow but the ex-England skipper says the Colombian would often "bend the rules", particularly after scoring.

The 29-year-old joined Rangers in 2017 from HJK Helsinki and scored 84 goals over his six years in Govan. Defoe arrived from Bournemouth in 2020, three years before the end of Morelos' Ibrox stint, and Roofe moved from Anderlecht that same year.

"Morelos was tough to manage," Gerrard told The Overlap, external.

"Maverick behaviours. He was so important to Rangers because he was the goals but he was challenging, he'd bend the rules.

"After he scored a brace or a hat-trick you always knew something was in the post, whether it was him being late or something else.

"You want to try and set rules and values for your team. Sometimes you'd have to bite your tongue and turn a blind eye to one or two.

"He was so important to Rangers and I knew he was so important but I knew the time would come where I could get him to a place where he was less important. That's why I brought Jermain Defoe and Kemar Roofe in.

"When he was having these periods where he would be challenging or breaking rules, Defoe and Roofe were itching to play and they were just as good as him."

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Rangers are lining up a move for 20-year-old Northern Ireland goalkeeper Pierce Charles, who worked under Ibrox manager Danny Rohl at current club Sheffield Wednesday. (Give Me Sport), external

Rangers and Celtic could face competition from Bologna for David Watson, the 21-year-old midfielder who is out of contract at Kilmarnock in the summer. (Il Resto di Carlino - in Italian), external

Linked heavily with Rangers, Scotland Under-21 defender Luke Graham insists he is giving no thought to transfer speculation and is only focused on keeping Dundee safe in the Scottish Premiership. (The Courier), external

Rangers are confident Ashton Scally will sign their offer of a three-year pro contract, despite Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea showing interest in the 15-year-old defender. (Scott Burns on X), external

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Will away form decide who wins the Scottish Premiership title?

Five points currently separate Hearts at the top of the table and Celtic in third place while Rangers are two ahead of their Glasgow rivals and three behind the leaders.

There's just seven games left to crown this season's champion and it's looking like the split is going to be decisive, but just how much will away fixtures affect where the trophy ends up?

Both Rangers and Hearts have played 15 away games so far, Celtic have played one extra.

In terms of victories, Celtic and Hearts have won eight away games while Rangers have won seven. In contrast, Hearts have won 12 of their home games, Rangers have 10 home victories and Celtic are on 11.

Hearts have scored 24 goals away from home and 29 at Tynecastle. Rangers have also scored 24 goals at away games but have 32 at Ibrox while Celtic have scored 23 goals away from home and 33 at home.

Interestingly, both Hearts and Celtic have lost five away games each while Rangers have only lost one game away from Ibrox. However they've drawn seven while Hearts and Celtic have drawn two and three respectively.

And Hearts fan Liam Corbett of This is My Story podcast suggests whichever team sorts out their away form will be the one to lift the trophy in May.

"I think it's the away form that will win the title," he told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"Rangers haven't been great away from home and we've lost four of our last six away from home. Now we're at Livingston on Sunday then it'll be Hibs, Celtic and Motherwell away in the split.

"I think it comes down to whoever can master their away form. We're all pretty decent at home, maybe barring Celtic a little bit in terms of losses. We're unbeaten at home all season.

"Hearts have been churning out these 1-0 victories that maybe, if you're from the outside, looking in, look wobbly but they've been the most assured 1-0 victories you can get. But they only last so long.

"So whoever can master their away form will be the ones that get the best chance of bringing home the title."

Alasdair Lamont
BBC Sport Scotland Commentator

Danny Rohl will be keen to get his full squad back on the training field after their international exertions to refocus on what could yet be a sensational ending to the season for the Ibrox club.

Barring injuries picked up on international duty, Rohl has more or less a full squad with which to mount a title tilt, beginning with the visit of Dundee United at the weekend.

That gives them the opportunity to strike the first blow in this latest stage of the title race, with both their rivals playing on Sunday. Rangers will be top on goal difference if they can take all three points against United and who knows what that could do psychologically as Hearts travel to Livingston the following day.

Victory is by no means guaranteed, of course, but Rangers' recent home record has been impressive - the 2-2 draw with Celtic the only time in their last nine in the league in which they have failed to win at Ibrox.

It could be a nervy occasion on Saturday but if Rohl's side can handle the pressure, they know they have put themselves in a terrific position.

Nothing will be settled this weekend, but we will get a better idea of which of the three title contenders has the mettle to get over the line by the close of play on Sunday.

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Wales winger Rabbi Matondo has joined SK Brann from Rangers on a permanent deal.

Matondo, 25, moved to Ibrox from Schalke in the summer of 2022 for an undisclosed fee and was nearing the end of his contract. He spent last season on loan at Hannover.

The last of Matondo's 70 Rangers appearances came in February, with all three of this season's games coming off the bench.

Brann finished fourth in last year's Eliteserien and will feature in the Conference League second qualifying round later this year. The Bergen side have lost both of their opening fixtures in the 2026 Eliteserien. Brann visit HamKam on Monday.

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Wales winger Rabbi Matondo is on the verge of leaving Rangers to join Norwegian side SK Brann. (Glasgow Times), external

Tuesday's Scottish gossip

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

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It was attacking reinforcements in the winter window that were expected to take Rangers to the next level.

Instead, it has been the addition of a defender that has added a new dimension to the Ibrox side.

Well, simply labelling Tuur Rommens solely as a defender would be unfair, because it is his relentless work up and down the Rangers left that has impressed fans most.

Danny Rohl's decision to shift to a 4-2-2-2 formation, essentially playing a box midfield with Youssef Chermiti and Ryan Naderi as a front pairing, has freed up space in wide areas for his full-backs.

By using that space, Rommens - signed in January for a reported fee of £3m from Westerlo - is already off the mark for goals and assists in a Rangers shirt.

But what do the underlying numbers tell us about the left-back's influence?

In just 457 minutes of Scottish Premiership football, he has created 16 chances.

That already places him in the top 11 defenders in the division for chance creation. In fact, on a per-90-minute basis, he is almost top.

Albeit the sample size is small, it is a similar story for touches in the opposition box, while he also scores well among his peers for expected goals and shots on target per 90.

Defensively, Rommens ranks highly for interceptions, and Rangers have not lost a league game in which he has played, winning four and drawing two of their six matches. However, it hasn't all been perfect.

In those two draws, points have been spilled at bottom side Livingston and at home to Celtic, who exploited Rangers' left side multiple times during their two-goal second-half comeback.

But the early signs are encouraging that the Belgian can excel in Rohl's system, with a seismic spell on the horizon as Rangers attempt to reel in leaders Hearts.

Rangers are poised to allow Rabbi Matondo to leave for free, three months before the end of his contract, with Brann Bergen hoping to secure the 25-year-old Wales winger's services, for a hefty sell-on fee should he move on again, before Norway's transfer deadline on Tuesday. (Daily Record), external

Rangers head coach Danny Rohl is keen to agree a permanent deal for 23-year-old centre-half Nasser Djiga after his loan spell should the transfer budget stretch to the £8m option to buy from Woverhampton Wanderers. (Football Insider), external

Celtic and Rangers, who were interested in Tyrese Campbell in 2020 as he was leaving Stoke City, enquired about the 26-year-old's availability in January and continue to keep tabs on the striker who is poised to enter the final year of his contract with Sheffield United. (Daily Record), external

Ben Davies' time at Rangers is coming to an end this summer, with the 30-year-old centre-half, who was close to signing for Celtic before his move to Ibrox from Liverpool in 2022, playing a bit-part role on loan as Oxford United struggle to avoid relegation from the Championship. (Glasgow Times), external

Bojan Miovski has been released from international duty with North Macedonia at Rangers' request before their friendly against Republic of Ireland, with the 26-year-old striker unhappy at being a substitute in their World Cup play-off against Denmark. (Filip Mishov on X), external

Read Sunday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Former Rangers captain and manager Barry Ferguson understands why the club have decided not to appoint a new sporting director. (Sun), external

Managing Rangers was the greatest job Graeme Souness ever had, says the former Scotland captain. (Record - subscription required), external

Saturday's Scottish gossip

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Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez made a winning start to his Nigeria career with a debut off the bench in their 2-1 friendly triumph over Iran in Turkey.

Fernandez came on at half-time with his side 1-0 up thanks to Moses Simon's early strike.

Akor Adams soon doubled the lead and although Mehdi Taremi pulled one back, Nigeria held on.

Fernandez, 24, has become a key player for Danny Rohl's Rangers side, making 27 appearances and scoring six goals since moving to Ibrox last summer from Peterborough.

He is in the Nigeria squad for the first time and has been linked with a big-money switch to clubs including Arsenal and Everton.

Meanwhile, Rangers striker Youssef Chermiti netted for Portgual Under-21s as they thumped hosts Azerbaijan 4-0 in Euro Championship qualifying. Chermiti, 21, now has three goals in six Portugal U21 outings.

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Squad newcomer Findlay Curtis offers "something a little bit different" to Scotland, says head coach Steve Clarke.

Winger Curtis, who has impressed since joining Kilmarnock on loan from Rangers in January, is in contention to make his Scotland debut in Saturday's Hampden friendly with Japan.

Clarke, who admitted his team selection might "raise an eyebrow a little bit", insists 19-year-old Curtis is not just a player for the future.

"If he's in the squad he's for right now," said Clarke. "I've got a really good rapport with Finlay, obviously I've watched him, but I knew what he could bring.

"He's a really young boy, so he's equipped himself well in training. Is he one of a different sort of profile, especially with Ben [Gannon-Doak] out injured right now, can he add an injection of pace to the side?

"He brings something a little bit different. People always tell me I don't look for different things.

"Again, I think the young boys are important for the future."

Rangers are keeping tabs on FC Zurich striker Philippe Keny. (Football Insider, external)

And the Ibrox side could land Nasser Djiga for just £5m if they decide to make his loan move from Wolves permanent. (FootballFanCast, external)

Bulgaria hope to persuade Rangers forward Ryan Naderi to change his international allegiance. (Glasgow Times, external)

Read Friday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Is James Tavernier Rangers' "greatest modern player"?

The 34-year-old captain and right-back is out of contract at the end of the season after 11 years at Ibrox.

He has racked up more than 500 appearances and over 100 goals but his time at Ibrox could be coming to an end.

Coach and analyst John Walker, a Rangers fan, thinks Tavernier has been an incredible servant and says his future could hinge on whether Danny Rohl's side win the title this season.

"I would have a statue of the guy," he told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"I think he's our greatest modern player. I think nobody can speak to James Tavernier and what he has had to do at Rangers.

"People like Barry Ferguson, who has been our greatest captain of my generation, they didn't experience what Tavernier did. He hasn't experienced coming from the Championship and being expected to win a title the minute he was back in the league.

"Tavernier's experience of going from that to European finals is amazing. His leadership role is really important, he's been the captain for so long he integrates players. From what I hear he's great with everyone and everyone loves him inside the club.

"But if you don't win the title again, what experience is that for the club? Because you've got fans saying this is a captain that's seen us through our worst spell in the top flight.

"I don't attribute that to Tavernier but there is a cleaning house element of do we need something fresh? Do we need new blood around so fans can stop this obsession with Tavernier taking every set-piece when he doesn't?"

We asked if you would like to see captain James Tavernier given a new contract to stay at Rangers beyond this season.

Here are some of your views:

Angy: Tavernier is a key and very experienced player. Would hate to see him leave for sure. To be honest, when I think of Rangers he is the first player that comes to my mind, a true boy in blue.

Scott: Tav deserves to finish his career at Rangers. He has been a phenomenal servant to our club. The man never deserved any of the hatred he has received and should leave our club as the captain and legend that he is.

Luke: Clearly Tav should get another year. The squad is short on leaders and without his goals we wouldn't be in the title race. He's lost a yard of pace and maybe shouldn't start the biggest games but is still more than capable of playing most games domestically.

Ross: Tav is a club legend, by far our best servant since the reformation. If he left now I'd be sad to see him go, but he could leave with his head held high. I personally don't see him leaving yet, I think he'll only go if we win the league again, either this year or next. Still, no one can take his career here away from him.

Elaine: Tav has been a great player for us but so were Ally McCoist, Brian Laudrup and Richard Gough. Every player has a shelf life so it's thanks for your service Tav but time to move on. No one lasts forever.

Ronnie: No chance, couldn't tackle a fish supper. Great going forward but how can you be a full-back when you can't defend? Finally we have a manager who realises this.

Sally: Tavernier has been a great captain and club servant. It is now time for him to make way for a younger player. I believe he still has a place at Ibrox as a role model and mentor for young players. This an option both he and the club could explore.

Stuart: Time for Tavernier to go, yes his goals are impressive but he is poor defensively and has been at fault for a lot of goals against. His distribution from open play and free-kicks is generally poor this season. Everything slows down when he plays as we have to wait until he takes every free-kick, corners and throw-in. Last but not least his leadership is questionable at best.

With Rangers unwilling to pay Wolverhampton Wanderers' £8m buyout clause for on-loan centre-half Nasser Djiga, there is little chance of the 23-year-old remaining at Ibrox and former club Red Star Belgrade are plotting to re-sign him in the summer. (Sport Klub), external

Rangers could bank a record fee for Emmanuel Fernandez this summer with the 24-year-old attracting interest from Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, West Ham United, Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen. (TeamTalk), external

Wolves are well-placed to beat Celtic and Rangers to the signing of 21-year-old Hacken midfielder Silas Andersen this summer. (Football Insider), external

Gennaro Gattuso's former team-mate, Marco Materazzi, believes the Italy head coach will manage Rangers one day because of the former Ibrox midfielder's love for the club. (Hajper), external

Rangers are prepared to spend more on VAR technology if it means a general driving up of refereeing standards in the country. (Scottish Sun), external

Read Thursday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland

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Uncertainty hangs over the future of Rangers captain James Tavernier, who is out of contract at the end of the season.

The 34-year-old Englishman has amassed 560 appearances, 144 goals and 148 assists in an Ibrox career spanning 11 years.

Having helped Rangers return to the Premiership in his debut season, Tavernier was integral to the club's first top-flight title triumph in 10 years - he scored 10 goals and set up nine - and has since added a Scottish Cup and League Cup, as well as becoming British football's highest-scoring defender and earning a place in the Ibrox hall of fame.

Will this summer bring a parting of the ways? Or should Rangers be eager to keep a player of such experience and leadership?

While he missed only five league games in the three previous seasons combined, this term Tavernier has not always been an automatic first-team pick, starting 22 of 31 Premiership matches so far.

He is still an important part of Danny Rohl's side, though, as his sumptuous free-kick to complete the 4-1 weekend win over Aberdeen proved.

That was a 14th goal of the season - including eight penalties - across all competitions for Tavernier, who is the Ibrox club's top scorer.

He has netted eight in the league - four spot-kicks - a haul bettered only at Rangers by striker Youssef Chermiti (nine).

Tavernier also has the joint-second most assists (four), making him top for goal involvements (13), and he has created the most chances (62) of any Rangers player in the Premiership while ranking third for shots on target (20).

As for defensive attributes, only Nicolas Raskin has made and won more tackles, and won possession more often, than Tavernier, who also ranks highly for clearances and interceptions.

Rangers fans, would you like to see Tavernier stay at Ibrox beyond this season? Have your say via this link.

Alasdair Lamont
BBC Sport Scotland Commentator

Another dramatic weekend at the top of the Premiership leaves Rangers very much back in title contention only a couple of weeks after successive draws against Livingston and Celtic had me thinking they were out of it.

Saturday's comprehensive victory over Aberdeen was rarely in doubt and the boost to the goal difference could prove crucial in the final shake-up.

Mikey Moore again showed his worth to the team, a fearless attacking display helping break down an initially stubborn Aberdeen backline.

If Rangers do go on to win the league they will owe much to the 18-year-old loanee who has grown into the jersey as the season has worn on.

He is saying all the right things about a potential return to Ibrox next season but you have to imagine he could do a job for his parent club Tottenham, whether they are in the Premier League or Championship next season.

Now Rangers can go top of the table if they win their first game back after the international break against Dundee United at home. It is a scenario that seemed fantastical prior to Danny Rohl's appointment back in October, when Rangers sat 13 points behind Hearts and eight below Celtic.

Their path to the title is still a hugely tricky one, with trips to Tynecastle, Celtic Park and probably two to Falkirk, but their away record is the best in the league and with the potential for an automatic Champions League place if they can win the title, the rewards are enormous.

No one at Rangers will expect it to be plain sailing from here until the end of the season, but they have given themselves an opportunity that had seemed to be beyond them.

Danny Rohl plans to include Findlay Curtis in Rangers' first-team plans next season, the 19-year-old currently on loan Kilmarnock and having been called up to the Scotland squad. (Football Insider), external

Meanwhile, Rangers' on-loan Tottenham winger Mikey Moore has withdrawn from England Under-19 duty on medical grounds. (Scotsman - subscription required), external

Wednesday's Scottish gossip

Jamie Currie
Fan writer

Fans and players alike would have been seeing Mikey Moore's face when they closed their eyes on Saturday night, as the young Tottenham loanee terrorised our friends from the north east.

I was interested to see how Aberdeen would go about things as they tried to do their favourite thing and put a dent in our season.

Fortunately for Rangers, the players were right up for it, scored four great goals and played Aberdeen off the pitch. So much so, their goal came from our lax play in the second half.

To be honest, a 4-1 scoreline flattered Aberdeen. It could have been anything we wanted. That's three games we've played against them this season and they have all been comfortable wins.

There were many good individual performances in the latest canter. At the back, Nasser Djiga and Manny Fernandez are forming a very solid partnership, giving the team a solid footing to build from. They never gave Kevin Nisbet a sniff.

In midfield, Nico Raskin and Tochi Chukwuani both scored and were excellent, involved in everything. Those second balls seem to be stuck to Chukwuani, something we have been missing for a long time. His goal was perfectly taken too.

Lastly, Moore was superb. Watching the growth in him, Fernandez and Djiga in the past three to four weeks has been a pleasure - it's a real feather in the cap for Danny Rohl and his coaching team.

The international break comes at a bad time for us. We have navigated two potentially tricky fixtures against St Mirren and Aberdeen and moved into second place, two points ahead of Celtic.

The manner of the Aberdeen was most pleasing. After showing in Paisley we can dig in and win, the latest victory proved we can play. It's just a pity we have to wait two weeks to get back to Ibrox for league duty.