Have Rangers made a significant error with Europa League player slot?

Bruno Alves’ move to Parma has been a topic of much discussion the past few days, with the 36-year old switching to the Italian newcomers according to STV’s Raman Bhardwaj and a number of media outlets.

There is, however, a problem or two with all this.

Firstly the deal still hasn’t been confirmed on any level by the Serie A side – supposedly signed yesterday, the Portuguese remains credited with being a Rangers player on every single registration level there is right now – so either the information is yet to filter, or this deal hasn’t actually been confirmed yet.

Secondly, the more significant problem is Rangers submitted their 22-man Europa League squad for the first round v Shkupi, and Alves is very much on it.

So if this deal does indeed materialise and the 36-year is eventually paraded as a Parma defender, it leaves Rangers with literally only two central defenders for tomorrow night. The two allotted wildcard entries are almost certainly new signings Lassana Coulibaly and Umar Sadiq, and while Rangers look strong in the direction of clinching the deal for Millwall’s defensive colossus Jack Cooper (according to all media outlets), he would be a third signing since last Friday and wouldn’t be eligible for the Europa League qualifying.

So Bruno’s inclusion in the squad is extremely surprising to say the least, given Gerrard was said to have informed him he is surplus and he has reportedly seen at Parma’s training ground according to the Daily Record.

We wonder when this will all be straightened out, frankly.