Lee Cook (21) Left Midfield from Watford on free transfer + compensation money
"Cookie" will be remembered by R’s fans for his spell on loan at the club the season before last.
A Rangers fan and local born Hammersmith boy Cook joined on loan to help solve the midfield crisis and impressed straight away on the left wing. A tricky winger with pace to match makes Cook an exciting player to watch and his work ethic shape him as an all-round team player. After returning to Watford after three months he walked straight back into the Hornets side.
Watford rejected an offer from Rangers earlier this season to buy Cook, prompting them to move for Kevin McLeod instead. Following a disappointing year for Macca it looks likely that Ollie will now move to sign Cook.
Highly rated by Hornets fans as one of their most exciting wingers in recent times he looks like an outstanding prospect for the future.
Early reports suggest that Cook is happy to sign now that Ollie’s contract has been finalised and the R’s are back in the first division, all that may stand in the way is the compensation package that the R’s will owe Watford. Because Cook is only 21 Rangers will have to pay a small amount of money to compensate Watford with the fee being settled by a tribunal.
Chances of signing 8/10 Player rating 8/10
Micah Hyde (29) Centre Midfield from Watford on free transfer
A Jamaican international spending the last 7 years at Vicarage Road with the Hornets. A fans favourite signed from Cambridge. His tough tackling and neat passing makes him a polished midfield player. Talented and proven in the first division he injects experience and a cool head.
Watford do not want to see Micah leave but after telling him he will need to take an extensive pay-cut to prolong his stay, it is now likely that he will move on. Crystal Palace have registered their interest in the player but following promotion to the Premiership, Rangers seem a more likely destination.
Chances of signing 6/10 Player rating 8/10
Barry Hayles (32) Striker from Fulham on free transfer
Plucked from non-league by Rangers manager Ian Holloway, Hayles quickly became a hit at Bristol Rovers knocking in goals galore. Fulham were the side to take a chance and it paid off. A strong and athletic performer, he uses his immense body strength and pace to shake off would-be defenders. His finishing has let him down in the past but he has always made up for it with the countless chances he creates for himself or a colleague. There is fierce competition for the striker though. Since it became known he would be leaving Fulham numerous clubs have filled their interest in him, including Leeds. Ian Holloway will be optimistic that his successful past with Hayles will sway Rangers as his number one destination and the fact that he can stay in West London.
Chances of signing 6/10 Player rating 7/10
Sam Parkin (23) Striker from Swindon Town £500,000-750,000
Parkin a well-known Rangers fan was at Chelsea as a youngster. Following loan spells at Wycombe and Northampton it was the Robins who signed him permanently.
He quickly hit the headlines by notching up goals frequently in his first couple of seasons. He recently signed a new contract at Swindon to silence rumours of a move away form the County Ground.
Rangers have always had an added extra to the Sam Parkin rumours, knowing that he is a big R’s fan and from the West of London. A target man he is also excellent on the floor and scores or all kinds of goals. Following Swindon’s failure in the playoffs and Rangers promotion it is thought amongst Robins’ fans that Parkin would like to try his hand at a higher level with Rangers the likely stop. However any deal is unlikely, as the R’s simply don’t have the resources to match Swindon’s valuation of one of their most prized assets.
Any deal my rely on a possible swap+cash deal including Tony Thorpe. Again it looks doubtful as Thorpe is still considered a big part of the Rangers’ fab four after netting important goals last season.
Chances of signing 2/10 Player Rating 7/10