Rangers are attempting an ambitious swoop for West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, sports journalist Pete O'Rourke has told GiveMeSport.

The lowdown

The Daily Mail reported at the start of this month that Rangers had 'expressed their interest' in signing Johnstone.

But they also claimed that Spurs, who considered a move in January, were in the frame as they look for a deputy for Hugo Lloris.

And Sky Sports have since named Manchester United, where Johnstone came the youth ranks, as a suitor too.

The Englishman is out of contract at the end of the season, meaning he'll be available on a free transfer.

And Rangers may need to replace Allan McGregor, currently set to leave Ibrox in the summer when his deal expires.

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The latest

O'Rourke admits that it will be 'a big ask' for the Gers to win the race, but applauded their 'ambition'.

He also believes they have an important advantage in the battle, with Johnstone's minutes more likely to be limited at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium or Old Trafford.

"I think it would be a big ask for Rangers to try and land Sam Johnstone but shows the ambition the club have got," he said.

"Sam Johnstone is going to be attracted to a lot of clubs as a free agent, but if he went to Rangers he would definitely be number one there, whereas if he went to Tottenham or Manchester United, there's no guarantee that he would be first choice at either of those clubs."

The verdict

Rangers do carry an appeal. Johnstone wouldn't be competing with the likes of David de Gea or Lloris for a starting role. In fact, he'd be walking into a potential vacancy left by McGregor.

What's more, the Gers could yet offer the carrot of Champions League football, having moved just one step away from reaching the Europa League final.

Transfermarkt value him at £7.2million, so picking up for no fee at all would represent great business.

The 6ft 3in 'keeper, dubbed 'unreal' by pundit Paddy Kenny, is a three-times capped England international with 37 games' worth of Premier League experience.

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