According to the Daily Record, reported Derby County and Middlesbrough target Jack Simpson has signed a pre-contract agreement with Rangers.
The Bournemouth defender has long been linked with an exit from the Cherries.
After struggling to break in during Eddie Howe’s reign, Sky Sports claimed Derby and Middlesbrough were interested in signing Simpson last January, but a deal failed to materialise.
Jason Tindell’s appointment as Howe’s successor gave Simpson a fresh start. However, the 24-year-old defender has made just six league starts this season.
A recent report from the Daily Echo claimed Cardiff City had a £750,000 bid accepted for him. But with the Bluebirds sacking Neil Harris, a deal never came to fruition.
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Now, Rangers have reportedly made their move and signed both Simpson and Nnamdi Ofoborh on pre-contract deals and the duo could move to Ibrox this month.
It isn’t the first time Rangers have benefited from cross-border transfers. The Gers signed Joe Aribo from Charlton Athletic in 2019 which left the Addicks reeling.
While Bournemouth don’t consider either players regulars, the Cherries are seemingly set to lose them at a far cheaper compensation rate than if they had gone to another English club.
Derby and Boro, meanwhile, may regret missing out on central defender Simpson.
Neil Warnock’s Boro are pushing for the playoffs this season. However, an injury to the likes of Dael Fry or Paddy McNair could leave them in a spot of bother.
Derby, on the other hand, must look at signing a new central defender for the long-term.
Andre Wisdom’s contact expires this summer, while Matt Clarke is only on loan. Curtis Davies, meanwhile, may have already played his last Derby game after the 35-year-old suffered a lengthy injury and Mike te Wierik has returned to Groningen after a short spell at Pride Park.
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