In a recent interview, former Rangers defender Michael Ball has claimed that Steven Gerrard's side could splash the cash in order to bring SC Heerenveen midfielder Joey Veerman to Ibrox this summer.

Ball spoke to The Transfer Tavern about the 22-year-old, who has been linked with a move to Rangers ahead of the summer transfer window, saying:

“They know the Dutch, how they are trained, and how they come through the youth system. His numbers are fantastic.

“He will probably cost more than Ryan Kent maybe, or around the same amount of money, so if Steven wants him as number one target, I feel the club will 100% back him.”

It is no surprise that Rangers are taking an interest in Veerman considering his superb performances in the Eredivisie in recent seasons.

Last season saw the young midfielder contribute four goals and five assists in 22 Dutch top-flight appearances, earning an excellent 7.27 average rating from WhoScored across the season.

He has improved on that further in the 2020/21 campaign, with seven goals and 10 assists under his belt in just 31 appearances, which has helped him average an incredible 7.40 rating from WhoScored.

Reports have suggested that Rangers would have to pay around £8.5m to Heerenveen if they were to bring him to Ibrox this summer but given that Gerrard will be looking to add some Champions League quality to his side ahead of next season, it is easy to see why Ball has backed the club to sign him.

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Another former Rangers man, Michael Mols, was full of praise for Veerman recently when asked if he would be a good fit at his old club, saying:

“He is perfect with the ball and in possession, he’s a really great player. His passing and movement with the ball is really relaxed in a good way."

Given that Rangers have arguably struggled for goals and assists from midfield this season, with Steven Davis, Ryan Jack, Glen Kamara and Scott Arfield mustering just seven goals and seven assists between them in the league, adding someone with Veerman's quality could help take Rangers to a new level.

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Therefore, if Ball is correct and Rangers will pay Heerenveen's reported asking price, then Ross Wilson will be handing the 40-year-old manager a huge boost ahead of next season.

And, in other news... Gerrard must axe Rangers' "exciting talent" after his huge setback