Forest midfielder Yates is said to be interesting League One side Portsmouth.

Steven Gerrard’s main transfer priority is already seemingly obvious. Linked in recent days with the likes of Steven Davies, Kieran Dowell, Lewis MacLeod and more, a box-to-box central midfielder is at the top of the list for Rangers.

It is hardly surprising. Wednesday night’s performance showed just how much the Gers need a playmaker in the middle of the park, in the absence of Scott Arfield following his suspension.

Gerrard’s only other options are Ovie Ejaria and Lassana Coulibaly, and both have been in dreadful form of late – including Wednesday’s display which saw the Light Blues eventually lose 1-0 to Aberdeen.

Rangers play with three in midfield, but one sits deep and the Gers are well stocked in that area with Ryan Jack, Andy Halliday and Ross McCrorie providing cover. But it is the two positions slightly ahead of that role that needs strengthening.

Everton’s Dowell has been linked on loan, while ex-Rangers stars Davis and MacLeod are running out of time on their contracts at Southampton and Brentford and reports have put two and two together.

But at £500,000, Gerrard simply cannot ignore raiding Championship side Nottingham Forest a second time in his reign for 21-year-old midfielder Ryan Yates – who could give the Gers the solution they require on the cheap.

Yates is reportedly interesting League One leaders Portsmouth ahead of January, as he remains well down the pecking order at Forest. The Daily Mirror claims he would cost just half a million pounds (December 6, 15:10).

Standing at a lofty 6ft 3in, Yates offers a bit of physicality in the middle of the park as well as technical skill and an eye for a pass. On loan at Notts County last season, Yates scored six goals and created three more in 29 outings.

Bringing him in for the bargain fee of just £500,000 as cover for the likes of Ejaria and Arfield will keep the mainstays on their toes. Luring him to Ibrox ahead of Portsmouth would be an excellent signing.

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