Rangers eye Blackpool's versatile forward as Roofe replacement

Rangers may bid for Blackpool striker Jerry Yates as Kemar Roofe’s injury woes continue

Blackpool's English striker Jerry Yates celebrates after scoring their fourth goal during the English FA Cup third round football match between Blackpool and Nottingham Forest at Bloomfield Road in Blackpool, north-west England on January 7, 2023. - Blackpool won the game 4-1. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images) /

Michael Beale has a challenging transfer window ahead as the new Rangers manager looks to revamp his squad for the 2023/24 campaign.

Some players have failed to deliver in recent seasons or have spent too much time on the treatment table, and Beale will likely want to move them on.

Kemar Roofe is a prime example of the latter. The 30-year-old striker has missed 78 matches over nearly three years at Ibrox due to various injuries.

Although Roofe has scored an impressive 36 goals for Rangers, his constant injury problems are making him more of a liability. Beale may decide to cut his losses on the £26,000-a-week frontman this summer in favor of a more reliable replacement.

One option could be Blackpool’s Jerry Yates. Rangers were linked with the striker in January, and Blackpool may lower their £5 million asking price now that relegation from the Championship looks likely.

According to Alan Nixon, Rangers have scouted Yates twice recently, signaling their serious interest.

The diminutive Yates has been Blackpool’s sole bright spot this season, netting 14 goals and six assists.

Only Antonio Colak and James Tavernier have scored more for Rangers. Yates’s versatility is a bonus as he can play anywhere across the front line, although he excels as a striker.

Blackpool’s supporters have praised Yates’s performances, suggesting he could thrive under Beale in Scotland.

Rangers eye Blackpool’s Jerry Yates as Roofe replacement

Losing Roofe would be disappointing given his role in winning the 2020/21 Premiership title and some crucial goals. However, at 30 years old, his injury troubles could worsen.

He is too risky to keep if he cannot contribute on the pitch. Yates seems an ideal replacement who could have a similar impact.

Overall, Beale has difficult choices to make this summer if he wants to rejuvenate Rangers.

Parting ways with injury-prone players and bringing in fresh talent like Yates could help the Light Blues reclaim their status as challengers for the Premiership crown.

With the World Cup providing an early start to the midseason break, Beale will want to have a settled squad ready for the campaign’s resumption in December.