"One of the biggest earners" - Pundit reacts as Birmingham City plot Rangers transfer raid | OneFootball

The Rangers defender is said to be a transfer target for the Blues this summer

Birmingham City are looking to continue their rebuild this summer with an ambitious move for Rangers defender Connor Goldson, according to The Scottish Sun.

The outlet claim that new Blues boss Chris Davies has made the former Brighton and Hove Albion a target this summer, following his side’s relegation into the third tier in the previous campaign.

The Midlands outfit currently only have Dion Sanderson as the only recognised centre-back at the club this summer, as former Celtic coach Davies looks to rebuild a squad capable of clambering out of League One at the first attempt.

And former Sheffield Wednesday man Carlton Palmer believes Goldson would be a great addition to the squad this summer, although the St Andrew’s side will have to work hard to make him theirs.

Connor Goldson wanted by Chris Davies to aid Birmingham City rebuilding job

Goldson has plenty of EFL experience having come up through the ranks at Shrewsbury Town, before making the move to join Albion in the summer of 2015.

The defender’s game time with the Seagulls was limited due to having to undergo heart surgery for an aortic aneurysm, but upon his return he continued to perform admirably in a defensive role.

Since moving north of the border, Goldson has gone on to feature over 200 times for the Gers in all competitions, as well as earning a Scottish Premiership winner’s medal after their 2020/21 triumph under the tutelage of Steven Gerrard.

The defender also helped lead his side to the 2022 Europa League final against Eintracht Frankfurt, only for the Bundesliga outfit to triumph 5-4 on penalties after the match ended one apiece.

The wealth of experience that the 31-year-old would bring to the Blues is plain for all to see, and Palmer believes the defender would be a top acquisition amid their attempts to bounce-back immediately to the second tier, although his reported £37,000 weekly wage could be a stumbling block.

Speaking exclusively to FLW, Palmer said: “Birmingham City will be intent on trying to get back to the Championship at the first attempt, and they see the experience of Connor as being very instrumental in that.

“He is one of the biggest earners at Glasgow Rangers, and he was a mainstay under Steven Gerrard, but recently he hasn't been in favour with the manager, and was left out of the side towards the end of the season.

“He could be open to offers, and ex-Celtic boss Chris Davies - who is now manager of Birmingham City - is looking at bringing him in.”

Birmingham City facing competition for Connor Goldson transfer from former Rangers manager Steven Gerrard

Goldson flourished under the management of Gerrard [pictured] during the former Liverpool man’s time at the helm at Ibrox, and there have already been rumours about a reunion between the two this summer.

The former Aston Villa boss is now managing in Saudi Arabia wit Al-Etiffaq, and is said to be interested in bringing both Goldson and Rangers teammate James Tavernier to the Middle East this summer.

With the wealth that comes with clubs in the Saudi Pro League, the Blues could have a race on their hands to make him theirs this summer, with Palmer expecting a transfer battle for the experienced defender.

He continued: “He’s still got two years left on his contract, and there is interest from Steven Gerrard in Saudi Arabia for his services, so he’ll not be short of offers if Glasgow Rangers want to let him go.

“I think he’d be a very good addition to the squad, you need a robust big centre-half in that division, and also you need some experience to have around in the dressing room, so I think it would be a good signing for Birmingham City if they could get it over the line.”