Frank McAvennie has claimed to Football Insider that Glasgow Rangers could well be making a move for Bournemouth's Jack Simpson in anticipation of another of their defenders leaving next summer. 

The former Celtic striker was discussing the Ibrox club's move for the centre back earlier today, with the Gers having recently moved ahead of Cardiff City in the race for the 24-year-old's signature.

It was also previously revealed by the same publication that Rangers are actively exploring the possibility of agreeing a pre-contract with the player this month, with a view to the player moving to Scotland in the summer as he now has the ability to discuss terms with 'foreign' clubs.

Speaking about the move, McAvennie was quick to hint that the club are pre-empting an exit for one of their other players by signing Simpson:

“If they can get the boy Simpson on a free contract, he will fancy his chances of getting into that Rangers side next season. He would come in and straight away he’d be ready to fight for the team.

“They could be pre-empting an exit. That way if they were to lose a centre-half in the summer, it would not be a big problem.”

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The Weymouth-born centre back has been in and out of the Bournemouth team this term, making 11 appearances across all competitions for Jason Tindall's side.

The Verdict 

From a Bournemouth perspective much of the situation surrounding Simpson and a move to Rangers is out of their hands as he is free to agree a pre-contract with the Gers if he wishes due to his current deal expiring in the summer.

The player, as mentioned earlier, has been in and out of the team under Tindall, which would suggest that he is somewhat surplus to requirements at the Vitality Stadium.

If they can get a fee for the player this month, that would be a bonus, however it now seems unlikely as Cardiff have fallen behind in the race for the defender.

In short, it would appear that this saga is reaching it's conclusion, with both Bournemouth and Cardiff set to be the main losers of this deal.