Alan Hutton has given his reaction as Glasgow Rangers managed to keep hold of their best players in the summer transfer window.
The Lowdown: Players linked with moves
A number of players were linked with moves away from the Light Blues during the window.
The Daily Mail had reported that Everton had made a late £8m bid to try and sign Nathan Patterson, while Marcelo Bielsa wanted to sign Ryan Kent for Leeds United and Alfredo Morelos apparently agreed personal terms with Porto at one point.
The Latest: Hutton on transfers
Speaking to Football Insider, Hutton, who is now a pundit after playing as a right-back for the Gers, has been left applauding Steven Gerrard’s team for managing to keep their best players at Ibrox after the window shut:
“I am surprised.
“I think Steven Gerrard will sleep a lot easier tonight knowing he’s kept hold of all his big-name players.
“If you sell two or three of those players to balance the books for the Champions League situation, you’re making it more difficult to retain the title. You’re getting rid of your big stars.
“As we sat here today and he’s kept them all, it’s absolutely brilliant. All Rangers fans will be breathing a sigh of relief after that.
“It’s good to see they’re heading in the right direction of the people. The people they have brought in have done well, along with the people that are already there which is excellent.
“The one main thing I’m happy about is Nathan Patterson staying.
“When that was really ramping up and the bids were coming in, I thought it might be enough for Rangers to sell.
“I’m glad to see him stay and hopefully he can kick on now.”
The Verdict: Great news
It is certainly great news that the Gers were able to keep hold of the likes of Patterson and Kent among a number of their best players.
Should Rangers start Patterson?
Yes
No
When clubs from the Premier League come calling especially, it can be difficult for Scottish Premiership sides to turn down their advances, as Celtic have found out recently by selling Odsonne Edouard to Crystal Palace.
However, Gerrard will now have the best possible chance to win the title once more with the current squad, and also have a good crack at the UEFA Europa League, potentially increasing the values of the aforementioned players if they do eventually move on.
In other news, find out whose wages were a problem in him not leaving Rangers here!
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