Forget Clint Hill – Here Are 3 Free Agents Rangers Could Sign Including Crystal Palace Star

Three Centre-Halves From England Who Rangers Can Target

Rangers defender Clint Hill is in the last few months of his contract with the club. The 38-year old has been a vital presence for the Gers at the back and has become a mainstay in the defence. Back in January, former manager Mark Warburton expressed his desire to offer a one-year extension on his current deal, but since then there has been a change in the regime at the Ibrox Stadium.

New manager Pedro Caixinha saw Hill score the late equaliser against bitter rivals Celtic at the Celtic Park last weekend, but it remains to be seen if he will see the former Queens Park Rangers man as a part of his plans for the upcoming season. While it may prove to be a prudent choice to get Hill to stay for another season, given the inconsistent performances of Rob Kiernan, Danny Wilson and Philippe Senderos, the new manager may look to bring in his own players to shape the team into his ideas.

If that happens, and Hill isn’t offered a new contract to extend his stay beyond this season at the Ibrox, here are three options from the English competitions who can replace the veteran defender.

Damien Delaney

The 35-year old giant defender has found himself on the fringes of the first team at Crystal Palace, under new manager Sam Allardyce and is currently in the final few months of his contract.

Delaney comes with an immense wealth of experience in England and is a true leader at the back. Someone who has the ability to galvanise the team, he will be an authoritative presence on and off the field for the Rangers, much like Clint Hill. Big and burly, Delaney can be an intimidating prospect for an opponent striker to go up against and could help Rangers bring in some solidity at the back.

Sebastien Bassong

The 30-year old has found himself way down in the pecking order at Norwich this season and as a result, has made only nine appearances in the EFL Championship.

Bassong has plenty of experience at the top level, having played for eight years in the Premier League with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Wolverhampton Wolves (On Loan) and Norwich City. A total of 279 senior appearances speaks volumes about his ability as a defender at the top level. And with his contract set to expire at the end of the season, Rangers should definitely look to capitalise on this opportunity and sign him up.

Ryan Bennett

Another Norwich City defender in the final few months of his contract and it is slightly confounding that the Canaries haven’t offered a new deal to the 27-year old as of yet.

Bennett has made 25 appearances for Norwich this season and has been one of their strongest performers this term. At 27, Bennett has a lot of years of top-flight football left in him and it could so happen that many other Championship and Premier League sides opt to make a move for him in the summer. But, if the Gers manage to sign him up, it will be a statement of intent from the Glasgow club.