Rangers should divert attention to Clarke after missing out on Whatmough

Fri 18 January 2019 7:45, UK

, Celtic and Rangers were among the clubs interested in signing Jack Whatmough.

Portsmouth star Whatmough was out of contract at Fratton Park in summer 2019, meaning Rangers were eyeing a pre-contract agreement.

Having already snapped up Glen Kamara and Jordan Jones on those arrangements, Whatmough was another target.

But Portsmouth were wise to this possibility and have tied him down to a new contract, which expires in 2021.

That should all but end Rangers’ hopes of signing the promising 22-year-old central defender.

But it comes at a time when Nottingham Forest are rumoured to want Joe Worrall back from his loan spell, .

This could leave the Gers light at the back and Steven Gerrard needs to look at possible targets.

(Photo by David Horton – CameraSport via Getty Images)

His ideal target should be Whatmough’s central defensive partner at Portsmouth: Matthew Clarke.

The 22-year-old is still young but he already has vast experience, having played nearly 150 matches for Portsmouth since his move from Ipswich Town.

Dominant in the air and strong in the tackle, Clarke has all the attributes to make it at the top level of the game.

After winning the Players’ Player of the Season last term, the 6ft 2in powerhouse has taken his game to the next level this season.

Clarke would be an ideal capture for Rangers for both the short-term and the long-term.

After missing out on his Pompey partner Whatmough, Clarke should be Rangers’ next priority.

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