After almost three-and-a-half years at Rangers, Steven Gerrard has made the decision to depart the Scottish champions to move to Aston Villa.
Part of the reason for the switch is the ambition of the West Midlands outfit, who are expected to hand the England legend a significant warchest for the January transfer window.
The funds available will allow Gerrard to scour far and wide as he looks to strengthen a squad already containing plenty of quality, but that is not to say that the 41-year-old will not considering bringing in some familiar faces.
With that in mind, Sports Mole suggests three Rangers players who could be targeted by Gerrard during 2022.
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Ryan Kent has not enjoyed the best few months of his career, the winger only contributing one goal and two assists from eight Scottish Premiership and Europa League fixtures.
Nevertheless, after moving to Ibrox soon after Gerrard's arrival, it is realistic to expect the former Liverpool youngster to return to the Premier League with Villa.
The 25-year-old's contract is due to expire at the end of the 2022-23 campaign, effectively putting Rangers in a position where they will prefer to sell one of their most prized assets rather than risk him becoming a free agent.
While a number of other clubs will be in the running for his signature in January or the summer, do not be surprised to see Kent end up in Birmingham.
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With Alfredo Morelos's contract expiring at the same time, many will assume that there is every chance of the Colombian getting his Premier League chance with Villa.
However, with Danny Ings, Ollie Watkins and Cameron Archer seemingly set in stone as Villa's three forwards, we feel that Gerrard may show preference to trying to sign the more versatile Kemar Roofe.
Born just up the road in Walsall and having previously been at West Bromwich Albion, Roofe may feel that a return to the West Midlands offers the ideal opportunity to finally play top-flight football in England.
Despite his status at Ibrox, Rangers may be willing to significantly ease their debt in one go, and make a profit on the £4.5m that they shelled out on the 28-year-old last year.
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While Villa have a number of players who can deputise for Matty Cash at right-back, they do not have a like-for-like alternative to the soon-to-be Poland international.
Although he holds a contract at Rangers until 2024, Nathan Patterson could be the player that Villa are looking for to strengthen that side of their backline.
The 20-year-old has only made 22 senior appearances for the Glasgow giants, but his potential has already been recognised with five caps for Scotland.
Depending on whether Gerrard wants to add youth or experience, there is a scenario where James Tavernier could be targeted instead.
Darren Plant
