Rangers' hopes of signing Gary Cahill this summer have been given a boost after he officially confirmed his exit from Crystal Palace, meaning that Steven Gerrard could bring him to Ibrox on a free transfer.

What's the word?

The Sun claimed last month that Rangers were keen on adding the 35-year-old to their squad this summer and were willing to offer him a big wage in order to tempt him to a move north.

The centre-back has spent much of the past decade living in London after spells with Chelsea and Crystal Palace and he certainly shouldn't be short of offers in England after his exit from the Eagles was confirmed.

Should Rangers sign Cahill?

Cahill would offer Gerrard a wealth of experience at the back and could well be tempted with a move to Rangers due to the Champions League football that could be on offer at Ibrox this season.

The veteran centre-back will be well known by Gerrard from their time playing together for England and whilst he might only be a short-term option from a playing perspective, he could perform a similar role to Jermain Defoe in the future by offering his defensive expertise as a coach in Gerrard's side.

Although the 41-year-old manager already has the likes of Connor Goldson, Filip Helander, Leon Balogun, Nikola Katic and Jack Simpson available as centre-back options in his side, the £1.35m-rated Cahill could be a leader for Rangers both on and off the pitch.

Former Palace boss Roy Hodgson lauded his leadership qualities last season, 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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Therefore, he could prove to be a very shrewd acquisition by Rangers this summer, so following the news that he is officially a free agent, Ross Wilson should definitely be looking to bring Cahill to Ibrox if his wage demands aren't too excessive.

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