Conor transfer ‘to help Rangers beat Panathinaikos’ in Champions League

Rangers are gearing up to face Panathinaikos in a crucial two-legged Champions League tie at the end of the month.

The vital qualifying clash is looming on the horizon, with the Gers welcoming the Greek giants to Ibrox on 22 July, before they travel to Athens for the return leg on 30 July.

Russell Martin’s side are firmly into their pre-season, and there has been a huge sense of urgency placed on their transfer dealings, given the close proximity to their continental date.

The 39-year-old has already added six new faces to his squad so far this summer, but he will surely be desperate to strengthen his squad further ahead of the European clash.

Rangers tipped to need Coady signing to have a chance

Conor Coady is another man who is edging ever closer to a move to Ibrox, and his likely arrival could be crucial for the Gers, if they can get a deal over the line in time for him to feature against Panathinaikos.

They are thought to have been in talks with Coady for some time now, with the defender seemingly likely to leave Leicester ahead of the upcoming campaign.

The 32-year-old is a player who brings experience and know-how, and he is also someone who is capable of acting as a commanding leader at the centre of the defence.AppsGoalsAssists19871Coady’s stats in the Premier League.

His possible arrival is seen as a crucial factor in Rangers’ bid to reach the next qualifying round, in the eyes of Keith Jackson.

The Daily Record journalist feels that Martin needs the Coady signing to be finalised in time in order to “give him a chance” in the tie (Daily Record print edition, 14 July pg. 46).

Rangers need an Igamane resolution before Panathinaikos

Rangers’ transfer window so far has been dominated by a likely exit for Hamza Igamane.

The Moroccan has agreed personal terms over a move to French side Lille, and is seemingly keen to leave Ibrox in the coming weeks.

That creates a huge issue for Martin, who finds himself potentially about to lose both of his key strikers, with Cyriel Dessers also angling for a move.

The former Southampton boss desperately needs Igamane’s future to be resolved before the Panathinaikos tie, as he won’t want to have to play a frontman who has already had his head turned.

It is a crucial game in Rangers’ season, and they can’t afford to go into it without being assured of where his future lies.