Rangers have now entered the race for former Hearts midfielder Cammy Devlin, according to Sky Sports News. The Australian international officially left Tynecastle after rejecting the deadline Hearts set for accepting a new contract. Therefore, the 28 year old can join another club without a transfer fee. Rangers interest in Devlin now gives previous speculation some genuine authority.
Sky Sports confirms Rangers interest
Sky Sports News understands that Rangers want to sign Devlin following his Hearts departure. However, the broadcaster has not reported any agreement between the player and the Ibrox club. Rangers have not announced talks either. Consequently, supporters should treat this as firm interest rather than an imminent signing.
Previous reports claimed that Devlin had already agreed personal terms with Rangers. Those stories clearly jumped far ahead of reality. Nevertheless, the latest information confirms that the club genuinely appreciates the midfielder. Derek McInnes knows him extremely well and Rangers clearly see value in that existing relationship.
Devlin also has options elsewhere. Clubs in England and Turkey have shown interest, while Real Salt Lake reportedly lead the American pursuit. Therefore, Rangers cannot assume that McInnes alone will persuade the Australian to move to Ibrox.
A trusted McInnes midfielder
McInnes relied heavily upon Devlin during Hearts’ outstanding title challenge last season. The midfielder brought aggression, discipline and relentless energy to the Tynecastle engine room. Indeed, McInnes previously described him as the best midfielder in the Scottish Premiership.
That praise explains Rangers interest in Devlin far better than any transfer rumour. McInnes understands exactly what the Australian offers and knows how to use him effectively. Moreover, Devlin already understands the manager’s demands and tactical expectations.
Rangers need players who can handle the physical demands of Scottish football immediately. Devlin certainly fits that description after making 176 appearances and scoring 8 goals for Hearts across 5 seasons.
What Devlin offers Rangers
Devlin operates primarily as a defensive midfielder, although he can also play a broader central role. He presses aggressively, attacks loose balls and disrupts opposition attacks. Furthermore, his tackling, interceptions and defensive duels rank among his greatest strengths.
The Australian also uses possession sensibly. He completed 86.4 per cent of his passes during his final Hearts campaign. However, Devlin rarely creates chances or scores goals. Rangers would sign a midfield destroyer rather than a creative playmaker.
His arrival could give McInnes greater tactical balance at Ibrox. Devlin could protect the Rangers defence while allowing Dan Neil or another creative midfielder to move forward.
A sensible free transfer
Rangers interest in Devlin makes considerable sense when the club considers the cost, experience and familiarity involved. McInnes knows the player, Devlin knows the league and Rangers would pay no transfer fee.
However, the Ibrox club must still decide whether the squad needs another defensive midfielder. Rangers already possess several central options and further arrivals could affect their futures.
Nevertheless, Devlin offers proven Premiership quality, fierce commitment and immediate reliability. Rangers could do far worse than adding a trusted McInnes warrior to their rebuilt Ibrox midfield.