Rangers are considering a January move for one of the league's hottest talents as Danny Röhl looks to try and rebuilt his failing squad in January as Rangers cling on to their title challenge by the skin of their teeth – now 12 behind leaders Hearts after Sunday's 2-1 defeat at Tynecastle.
Rangers now sit fourth in the Scottish Premiership table, also six behind Celtic in second and behind third placed Motherwell on goal difference, although like they do with Hearts, the Gers also have a game in hand over the Steelmen.
However, Rangers could look to strengthen themselves while weakening their opponents with a move mooted for 25-year-old Motherwell midfielder Elliot Watt being considered for the winter window.
Watt is a former Scotland Under 21 international and captained the Scottish Under 19’s side in his younger days.
Born in England, he spent his youth career with Liverpool, Blackburn, Wolverhampton Wanderers and local club Preston North End before making his breakthrough with Bradford City.
Spells with Burton Albion and Salford City followed before a loan spell in Scotland with St. Johnstone last season attracted interest from Motherwell and their new manager Jens Berthel Askou who snapped him up on a free transfer.
Touted as one of the ‘best midfielders in the league’ this campaign, Watt has shone in the Fir Park midfield, replacing the departed Lennon Miller and adequately filling the wonderkid’s boots.
Despite just two goals and two assists in his 17 outings this season, Watt has garnered praise for his composure and control in the middle of the park, including standout performances against Celtic and Hibernian.
His ball carrying tops the Premiership charts, including for runs into the opposition thirds, as well as being highly rated for his progressive passes – a trait not usually as impressive in defensive midfielders and a trait Rangers current midfield trio badly lack.
His ariel duel stats are also impressive, and badly missing in a Gers team bereft of physicality.
Contracted until the summer of 2027, but with his club having the option of a years’ extension, Rangers will need to fork out a sum reaching as high as seven-figures for the midfielder – with the Gers adding him to a list of potential Nicolas Raskin replacements as the Belgian edges towards the end of his spell at Ibrox amid constant transfer speculation and up-and-down form.
Rangers are looking to tie up their January business early as per head coach Röhl – with the club also linked with moves for Westerlo defender Tuur Rommens and former player Josh Windass on a loan move from AFC Wrexham.
Rangers supporters have a chance to see Watt in action as Motherwell visit Ibrox in the next round of league fixtures on December 27th.