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Rangers are set to table an improved offer for Oldham Athletic defender George Edmundson, according to The Scottish Sun.
What's the story?
The Ibrox side have been pursuing the 21-year-old for a while now, reportedly having a bid rejected earlier this week.
Steven Gerrard though appears intent on landing his man, with The Scottish Sun believing they are set to offer Oldham an improved deal in an effort to beat English clubs also keen on signing the defender.
Edmundson's situation has changed since the last Rangers offer, say the paper, with the player rejecting a new long-term offer to stay with the League Two outfit.
Potential first-team player?
Given that the defender has never played above the fourth-tier in England it would be easy to think that Rangers would be interested in him as a player for the future to be developed, rather than a player for the first-team right now.
Clearly though the recruitment team at Ibrox rate him highly if they are coming back for a second bid, hinting that Gerrard sees him as a firm part of his plans next season.
With Joe Worrall heading back to Nottingham Forest and Gareth MacAuley's contract expiring there is certainly room for the player, but the Gers' reported insistence on getting to deal done suggests he could be a regular.
Should Nikola Katic be worried?
Connor Goldson is clearly Gerrard's prime pick in the centre of defence, that was clear throughout the 2018/19 season. His defensive partner was changed multiple times though, with little success.
Nikola Katic started the season as a regular before being displaced by loanee Worrall, not winning his place back in the side until towards the end of the season when the Forest man was on the verge of an exit.
Gerrard appears to have some question marks when it comes to the Croatian and the presence of Edmundson could put his place in the team at risk again.
Ultimately the competition will benefit Rangers as a club, but Katic will need to hit the ground running next season or risks having another frustrating campaign.