Rangers reportedly want £8m Englishman, but surely Celtic need him more? – TBR View

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Rangers are reportedly interested in signing Reading midfielder Josh Laurent ahead of the summer window as Steven Gerrard looks to beef up his midfield ahead of a Champions League campaign – but surely Celtic need him more than their Ibrox rivals?

The Sun claim Rangers are battling Brighton for 26-year-old Laurent, who has enjoyed the best season of his career at the Madjeski Stadium. Clocking up 45 of Reading’s 46 Championship fixtures, Laurent has caught the eye as Reading improved.

Finishing in 14th during 2019-20, they were unlucky to miss out on the play-offs – ending up in seventh. Laurent was crucial in that pursuit, and now it is claimed that clubs are tracking Laurent. He is believed to be rated at £8million.

However, Rangers are well-stocked in the middle of the park. Steven Davis is 36, but he remains a crucial part of the Rangers side and is a contender for the Player of the Season award. Ryan Jack, Glen Kamara and others act as central-midfield options.

Joe Aribo, Scott Arfield and more would mean that Laurent would find it hard to break into Steven Gerrard’s side on a regular basis. But across Glasgow, Celtic desperately need a midfielder like Laurent – after Scott Brown played his last Celtic game.

Ismaila Soro has been okay, but Ryan Christie has been linked with the exit door – as has Olivier Ntcham. Celtic desperately need cover, depth and quality in midfield. Christie David Turnbull and Tom Rogic occupy the attacking roles.

McGregor is best alongside a holding midfielder – and Soro offers the only option in the Celtic side at the moment. However, the Ivorian is hardly the answer, so, surely Celtic need to jump into battle with Rangers this summer for Laurent.

Brilliant on the ball, but incredibly strong and solid in the air – Laurent has all the attributes that Brown boasts, as well as being incredibly fit and able to avoid injury, with his 45 in 46 league games this season proving that. At £8million, Celtic need him.