Steven Gerrard should rekindle Mark Warburton interest in Adrian Mariappa as defensive solution – TBR View

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Rangers find themselves in something of a defensive shortage at present, following the injury picked up by Nikola Katic. The Croatian has suffered a serious knee injury and Steven Gerrard’s men are now short at the back. 

Bringing in a new face to Ibrox will undoubtedly be an option but with money tight due to the global health crisis and Rangers surely not wanting to spend big on a squad defender, free agents might be the best course of action.

If Rangers do want to sign a freebie this summer who could have an instant and effective impact at Ibrox, they could do a lot worse than Watford defender Adrian Mariappa. 

It would not be the first time Rangers have tried to sign the Jamaican international. 

As reported by the Daily Record, former Rangers boss Mark Warburton tried to sign Mariappa in 2016, after his exit from Crystal Palace. He knew the 49-cap international from his time at Vicarage Road and felt he could be a decent addition at the back for Rangers. 

In fact, Warburton and his then assistant at Ibrox David Weir were even pictured chatting to Mariappa, supposedly regarding a Glasgow switch. 

But Mariappa returned to Watford and has become a reliable member of the Hornets squad since his surprise return. 

Rangers could however have another opportunity this summer. 

Mariappa is out of contract when the Premier League season ends and will be looking for a new club. 

Rangers would be the perfect location for a one-year deal. It is not as if Mariappa is washed up either. The 33-year-old has played 20 times for the Hornets this season. He has also played some of those games at right-back, another area where Rangers need to add depth. 

Warburton failed to convince him to join Rangers four years ago but the Glasgow side could have a second bite of the cherry. Steven Gerrard would do well to try and succeed where Warburton failed.