Aston Villa's pursuit of Brandon O'Neill should convince Rangers to reignite interest

By Jay Williams

Aston Villa are being linked with a move for Sydney FC star Brandon O’Neill, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.

In the summer transfer window, O’Neill was mentioned by The Scottish Sun as a potential target for Rangers.

However, he was never a serious option for Rangers, who pursued other players instead.

Now that Aston Villa are chasing him, it is time to reignite that interest and start thinking more seriously about bringing him to Ibrox.

O’Neill could be the holding midfielder Rangers need to step up their title bid.

The Australia under-23 international, who is agonising between representing the Socceroos or switching allegiance to the Republic of Ireland, is one of the best players in Australia.

(Photo by Nigel Owen/Action Plus via Getty Images)

O’Neill has been with Sydney since 2015, having previously represented Perth Glory.

The 24-year-old sits deep in central midfield, providing protection for the back four.

And the step up to Scottish football is the perfect next stage in his career, while also helping the Gers in the short-term.

The chance to work with Steven Gerrard would be tempting if Rangers re-entered the race for O’Neill.

Aston Villa’s scouting system works well and John McGinn is thriving at Villa Park.

Rangers beating the Villans to O’Neill could turn out to be a shrewd piece of business.