Rangers are plotting a swoop for Preston North End goalkeeper Declan Rudd who is out of contract this summer, according to Football Insider.
Preston have started the season impressively, as they are yet to lose a home game and are the division’s top scorers. Alex Neil will be keen to keep his squad as they begin to mount a serious push for promotion, and one player who will be massively important to their aims is the ‘keeper Rudd.
Declan Rudd has been an ever-present this season for Preston who currently sit in second place on goal difference in the Championship, and just two points behind leaders West Brom.
Rudd joined the Lilywhites in the summer of 2017 from Norwich, having previously impressed whilst on loan at Deepdale in 2013. His contract is due to run out at the end of this season and Rangers boss Steven Gerrard is keen on securing a cut-price deal for the 28-year-old.
Football Insider have revealed that Gerrard is keen to add the Preston goalkeeper to his squad with the first-choice Allan McGregor close to turning 38 and second-choice Wes Foderingham’s contract also running down.
With the news emerging of Rangers’ interest in the Preston stopper, we take a look at one winner and one loser in this scenario if the Glasgow giants are to get their man in January…
Winner: Steven Gerrard
Steven Gerrard will clearly be on the better side of this deal if Rudd is to join his title-chasing Rangers side.
Rudd would be joining for a seriously low fee, especially for a goalkeeper of his calibre in the Championship, or would be joining for no fee at all, presenting Gerrard with two possibilities, both of which very favourable.
Due to Rudd’s contract being close to expiring and no suggestion yet of a new contract being offered, Rangers would not have to offer much for the club to accept. If Preston refuse the offers, Rangers can bypass the club and offer Rudd a pre-contract agreement which would see him leave Preston for the Scottish Premier League club upon the expiry of his current deal.
The major reason for why this presents a great deal for Rangers is because of the quality of goalkeeper they would be getting for next to no money. Rudd has proven over his Championship career that he has the ability to make the step up to Rangers and their pursuit of consistent European football.
Loser: Alex Neil
The undoubted loser in this scenario is Preston, along with manager Alex Neil. The club would be losing a key member of the side and some crucial league experience in the process too.
Rudd has an impressive record for the Lilywhites, making 137 appearances, and keeping 43 clean sheets along the way. His experience and communication with the Preston squad would be something that would be hard to replace for Alex Neil right away and losing Rudd would present a big problem in the goalkeeping department because of it.
Below Rudd in the pecking order, there is a distinct lack of Championship experience and proven quality, so losing Rudd could be an issue going forward for Alex Neil.