Long-Term Rangers Target Is Available On A Free Transfer: Why Beale Must Rope Him In | OneFootball

If a report from talkSport is believed to be true, long-term Rangers target Tom Davies is available as a free agent after deciding not to sign a new deal at Goodison Park. The Englishman is seeking assured playing minutes, and therefore, eyeing a fresh start as confirmed by the Toffees’ director of football Kevin Thelwell.

This must have alerted the Light Blues who have already roped in four new faces as part of a squad rebuild. They had a disastrous 2022-23 season and the gaffer Michael Beale is determined to turn things around with smart business as well as an exciting brand of football. He needs players who would attune to his philosophy and style of play, and his past comments on Davis could see the club stepping up interest in the coming days.

Beale poured his admiration while addressing the rumours of Davies and Todd Cantwell’s potential move to Ibrox earlier this year. The latter plied his trade in Glasgow a few days later and it remains to be seen whether Davies opts for a summer swoop on a Bosman transfer.

Liverpool’s Brazilian striker Roberto Firmino (L) vies with Everton’s English midfielder Tom Davies (C) during the English Premier League football match between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north west England on September 3, 2022. – RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

The 25-year-old former England youth international progressed through the academy ranks of Everton before breaking into their senior side seven years back. He went on to make 179 senior appearances for his boyhood club, however, persistent knee problems refrained him from securing a starting status in the middle of the park. He has now slipped down the pecking order, but a fresh start north of the border could help him reclaim his position and fulfil his potential.

Why Rangers Must Secure His Services

Davies is known for his ball-carrying ability, swift footwork and link-ups as a central midfielder. His vision and distribution skills offer a creative spark in and around the attacking third. Although he needs to show more strength and physicality to deal with the aggression of the Scottish game, Beale would rather deploy him as a ‘number 8’ to add more firepower in the build-up play.

Rangers have already roped in Davies’ Everton and England youth compatriot Kieran Dowell to bolster themselves in the centre of the pitch. Ryan Jack, Nicolas Raskin and John Lundstram are also there, but the trio fit in a slightly deeper midfield role, unlike the former Everton pair. Dowell, on the other hand, has played alongside Cantwell at Norwich City, and it is up to Beale now how he makes their chemistry work en route to reclaiming silverware.