Ipswich Town are set to beat Rangers to the signing of free agent Gareth McAuley after the experienced centre-back's release from West Brom, report Football Insider. 

The 38-year-old left the Hawthorns this summer after seven seasons with the Baggies but is not ready to retire just yet.

'Gers boss Steven Gerrard has been keen to bring in one more centre-back and McAuley was thought to be high on his list of options, but Paul Hurst has won the race according to Football Insider's report.

With his side languishing at the bottom of the Championship table, Hurst too is keen to bring in defensive reinforcements with his side yet to keep a clean sheet.

Janoi Donacien, Toto Nsiala and Trevoh Chalobah have all joined this summer and are all capable of playing as a centre-back but none have filled the void left by Adam Webster's departure to Bristol City yet.

McAuley only made nine appearances for the Baggies last season as he suffered with a thigh injury for much of the season.

During the 2016/17 season, the Northern Irishman had one of his best campaigns which included six Premier League goals.

The verdict 

This is the exact sort of signing that Ipswich need.

Someone who can be a real leader on the pitch and with the experience a struggling team can always do with.