Forget it Gerrard – Rangers signing this Fulham star would be nothing but a disaster

Why Rangers must avoid splashing the cash on Kevin McDonald

According to the Daily Record, Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has identified Fulham midfielder Kevin McDonald as an alternative to Southampton’s Steven Davis.

Steven Davis has been heavily linked with a return to Ibrox and Southampton are even willing to let him leave for free this month. In case a deal does not materialise, Fulham’s Kevin McDonald has been earmarked as a back-up.

Kevin McDonald, 30, had been a mainstay in Fulham’s midfield until he fell out of favour under Claudio Ranieri. The report claims that it won’t be an issue for Rangers to thrash out a deal with the midfielder if he wishes to leave Fulham in the January transfer window.

But two main questions arise here – will Rangers be able to sign Davis from Southampton? And if they don’t, will McDonald be the ideal alternative?

Rangers are second in the Scottish Premiership table at the moment with 42 points from 21 matches, level on points with leaders and arch-rivals Celtic, who have played a game less.

Steven Gerrard’s revolution at Ibrox has gone in the right direction so far and a couple of additions in the winter transfer window would simply make them a force to reckon with in the second half of the season.

Gerrard has seen his central midfield options decline following the early termination of Ovie Ejaria’s loan spell. Keeping that in mind, Rangers must continue pursuing Steven Davis’ signature.

Davis has earlier played for Rangers and can provide the creative spark needed in the midfield along with experience. The 34-year-old knows the club in and out, having been a part of title-winning squads at the Ibrox.

But if Gerrard fails to get Davis, the Gers must avoid making a move for McDonald. McDonald may be a hugely experienced player but he’s more a defensive-minded midfielder. Gerrard has only Scott Arfield as a specialist No.10 in his squad following Ejaria’s departure and while Davis isn’t exactly an attacking midfielder, he is capable of making those defence-splitting passes and runs behind the opposition defence.

McDonald, on the other hand, sits in front of the back four and controls the tempo of the game. For that role, Gerrard has the likes of Ross McCrorie, Ryan Jack and Andy Halliday to choose from. In fact, the Gers chief has so many options that make McDonald unnecessary at the moment.

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Hence, Rangers must do everything they can to sign Davis from Southampton. Even if they fail to get him, Gerrard should look for other alternatives and avoid splashing the cash on McDonald.