In amongst the celebrations for revealing the identity of the latest Championship Galactico the Daily Record has given the game away about Ibrox finances.
Jack Butland, Kieran Dowell and Chris Willock have been named as part of Micky Beale’s dream with Morgan Whittaker added to that list this morning.
Beale was unable to afford Whittaker in January despite heavy lobbying, after returning from a ‘hugely impressive’ loan spell at Plymouth he has started just two matches in the Championship for Swansea with a further 12 appearances off the bench.
While all sorts of gloss is applied to bog standard arrivals it seems that Beale’s Revolution is being driven by the realisation that the club wage bill has soared over the last couple of years.
The Record explains:
Manchester United back-up Jack Butland is among the options that are being considered for a new shotstopper. Rangers goalkeeping coach Colin Stewart is a big fan of the former England squad player, while Beale has also been linked with a move for Norwich City midfielder Kieran Dowell.
Beale is also looking to offload and will free up budget by moving some of his existing squad. With a goalkeeper amongst the priorities Jon McLaughlin is likely to be made available this summer, while Allan McGregor is also out of contract. A large chunk would also be freed up as Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent are both out of contract.
Free agents will be looking for big salaries, like John Lundstram and Tom Lawrence but losing Steve Davis, Filip Helander and Allan McGregor should deliver some substantial savings. Top earner Kemar Roofe has another year under contract.
Butland (former England star), Willock (former Benfica starlet), Dowell (former Everton star) and Whittaker have started less than 20 first team matches since the turn of the year.
Much like the old lucky bag sweets, you anticipated a free gem but once you opened it the disappointment floored you.