Rangers have been linked with a move for Gary Cahill recently and if he were to arrive at Ibrox, it could spell the end for Nikola Katic in Steven Gerrard's side.

What's the word?

According to The Sun, Rangers are interested in signing the veteran centre-back following his exit from Crystal Palace earlier this summer, and are prepared to offer him a significant wage in order to bring him to Ibrox.

Should the 35-year-old arrive, it would leave Gerrard with a plethora of options at centre-back, which suggests that at least one from his current squad would leave, with Katic one of the most likely options.

The Croatia international missed the entirety of last season through injury and whilst he made his return in the pre-season game against Brighton recently, it is difficult to see him reclaiming a regular first-team spot in Gerrard's side, when you consider the superb performances of Connor Goldson and Filip Helander last season.

Rangers would concede 13 goals in the Scottish Premiership, with their superb defensive record key to them finishing the league season unbeaten, which suggests that Gerrard won't make too many changes at the back as he prepares for the season opener later this month.

Should Rangers swap Cahill for Katic?

Katic has been linked with a loan move to Italian side Spezia in recent weeks and sending him out on loan could be the ideal way for him to regain fitness and prove to Gerrard that he has a future at Ibrox, as before his injury he was a key player in the 41-year-old manager's side.

Therefore, bringing in someone of Cahill's experience could be an excellent short-term option for Gerrard and Rangers, as he will add some Champions League know-how ahead of the Gers' return to the elite club competition.

The former Chelsea man was a regular for Crystal Palace in the Premier League last season, which suggests that he has what it takes to play consistently in the Scottish Premiership, and former manager Roy Hodgson praised his leadership qualities, saying:

"He’s also brought us leadership qualities, he’s been very good leadership-wise. He’s the best type of leader; he’s the quiet leader people don't see from Row Z in the stand. He’s the leader we see in training week to week."

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This certainly sounds like the type of player any manager would love to have in his squad, and therefore it would make a lot of sense if Ross Wilson were to sign him on a free transfer this summer and then perhaps send Katic out on loan to regain his fitness and confidence after his terrible injury problems last season.

And, in other news... Wilson can sign Rangers' next Defoe with swoop for "exciting" wonderkid