Report: Replacing Davis at Rangers will be priority for van Bronckhorst

The Athletic say replacing veteran Rangers midfielder Steven Davis at Ibrox will be a priority for new manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

The 46-year-old was announced as the club’s new manager on Thursday evening. Numerous reports suggest he has signed a deal until June 2025.

It is believed that van Bronckhorst will not take charge of Rangers on Sunday in the semi-final of the League Cup, against Hibernian.

But he will start working as manager next week, meaning his first game will be a crucial Europa League tie against Sparta Prague at Ibrox.

A report from The Athletic states that ahead of January, and next summer, one of van Bronckhorst’s main priorities will be replacing Davis.

Davis, who turns 37 in January, has become more of a rotation player this season. He is of course, out of contract next summer.

The Athletic reports: “Identifying a long-term replacement for a man who turns 37 in six weeks’ time will be high on the list of priorities.”

Rangers priorities: Beside Davis, what must van Bronckhorst do?

There are a number of things that van Bronckhorst has inherited from Gerrard at Rangers. Similarly to Davis, a replacement in goal.

Allan McGregor is in a similar position and Jon McLaughlin is hardly good enough to start – he is also 34. A new goalkeeper and a new midfielder.

Getting the best out of Alfredo Morelos is also key. When he is firing, so are Rangers. Maximising Ryan Kent’s impact on a match will boost Rangers.

Perhaps more cover at centre-back, with Filip Helander injured and Jack Simpson struggling to prove he is good enough. Plenty to do.