Former Rangers star Michael Ball says that the club will back Steven Gerrard if he decides to pursue Heerenveen midfielder Joey Veerman, in an exclusive interview with The Transfer Tavern.

The 22-year-old has been in fine form for the Dutch club this season, scoring seven goals and laying on 10 assists in 31 Eredivisie games.

Inside Futbol have carried quotes from Ferry de Haan, the club’s technical director, who is said to have confirmed that there is interest in the player.

He will cost around £8.5m, per the report, and Ball believes that Rangers will gladly back Gerrard if he decides to pursue a move.

Veerman is just 22 and he is a versatile presence, capable of playing in defensive and central midfield, as well as on the left of midfield.

A former Netherlands U21 international, Ball believes that a deal could well be done this summer, as the board look to back the boss.

Speaking to TT, he said: “They know the Dutch, how they are trained, and how they come through the youth system. His numbers are fantastic.

“He will probably cost more than Ryan Kent maybe, or around the same amount of money, so if Steven wants him as number one target, I feel the club will 100% back him.”