The £60m star of the future is now set to join Rohl at Rangers

Glasgow Rangers are not just sitting around, it seems, in the transfer market, with more deals expected to follow after the stunning capture of Lawrence Shankland.

Offloading the Scotland striker from a potential title rival represents a real coup for those at Ibrox, and the 30-year-old has signed a two-year deal to kick off a potentially seismic summer for Danny Rohl’s side.

Indeed, there have since been reports that the Gers are preparing a bid for Dundee star Luke Graham, following another fine Premiership season for the 22-year-old, while a return to Glasgow has been rumored for Wrexham star Josh Windass.

The 32-year-old was expected by Rohl in January, as was Sunderland’s Dan Neil, the 24-year-old also being considered as his contract expires at the Stadium of Light.

The former Black Cats skipper could revive the Rangers squad, although he is not the only one being mentioned on the list.

Rangers manager Rohl is bidding to sign the EFL Championship midfielder

It was reported at the beginning of this week that the Old Firm team was actually closing Neil’s contract, the Englishman will be free after spending six months on loan at Ipswich Town.

A permanent move to Portman Road is not on the cards, and although Coventry City are also in the news for his signature, it is Rangers who are likely to be at the front of the queue.

Rohl is clearly a fan, having struck a deal over the winter, although the German may have his eye on an even more notable dream target.

According to SportsBoom, Rohl wants to try to sign Southampton midfielder Shea Charles, with the EFL Championship side currently in turmoil following the ‘Spygate’ saga which has plagued their play-off run.

The Gers boss previously managed Charles at Sheffield Wednesday and is said to be keen on a reunion, with the 22-year-old also ‘open to the possibility’ of working under the 37-year-old again.

A potential problem could be rival interest in the former Manchester City man, however, with the likes of Sheffield United in the frame, according to the report.

Why Charles would be a better signing than Rangers’ Neil

The prospect of landing Neil for free makes that deal almost absurd, yet in terms of pure talent and power, Charles appears to have a high ceiling.

Indeed, according to EFL pundit Ali Maxwell, the Northern Ireland international is a “future £50-£60m” player, having cost the Saints an estimated £15m in 2023.

A difficult start at St Mary’s was followed by an outstanding 2024/25 loan campaign at Hillsborough under Rohl’s watch, with Charles starting 42 games in England’s second tier.

That run of games saw him chip in with one goal and five assists, creating five ‘big chances’ and 1.3 key passes per game, which is a good return for a midfield player.

In comparison, Neil’s 2024/25 season at Sunderland, where he captained the team to promotion, saw him score two goals, yet register just three assists, create just three ‘big chances’ and average 0.7 important passes per game.

Outside of handling again, Charles excels as a ball-winner, doing all things, defending the back line expertly with 3.9 tackles and a winning interception per game on average.

And, in context, that was well ahead of what Neil achieved, while working in the same role, the Sunderland academy student averaged 2.9 tackles and blocks, and won just 51% of his duels overall, well below Charles’ average of 59%.

As for the current campaign, the man’s latest return to Southampton has seen him hit six goals and assists, despite starting 22 games, scoring the goal that looked set to take the club to Wembley earlier this month, before his dismissal.

As for Neil, he was quickly dismissed after Regis Le Bris’ side were promoted to the Premier League, and even his loan spell at Ipswich was unsuccessful, as he started just eight games for the Tractor Boys.

Yes, there may be hope of bringing both Neil and Charles into the mix at Ibrox, especially if the former arrives on a free, but if it’s a straight battle between the pair, there could only be one winner.

Charles – who has made 33 appearances for his club at the senior level – has also performed well under Rohl, ensuring he can fit in well in what will be an improved, new-look Rangers squad next season.