According to The Sun, Glasgow Rangers are interested in signing Reading's Josh Laurent this summer.

The Lowdown: Rangers planning ahead

With this season now wrapped up, the Gers can fully concentrate on 2021/22 and beyond. Ross Wilson has already been busy, bringing in Fashion Sakala on a free transfer from Oostende (rangers.co.uk).

There are likely to be a few more new arrivals over the coming months, though, as the Ibrox outfit prepare for a Champions League campaign in the late summer.

The Latest: Gers eye Laurent

One name who has popped up on the Gers' radar is Reading midfielder Laurent.

He only signed for the Royals last summer, but the deal was just two years in length, meaning he would be out contract next year. According to this report, Brighton are also in pursuit, with a potential bargain fee of £8m mooted.

The Verdict: Top target

While Laurent may be a relatively unknown name outside the English Championship, he has enjoyed a fantastic season at the Madejski Stadium.

The 26-year-old was almost an ever-present in Reading's midfield, playing 45 out of a possible 46 games in the Championship (Transfermarkt) as his side narrowly missed out on the play-offs. His performances even earned him the club's Player of the Season award, while Reading manager Veljko Paunovic described him as "fantastic" (readingfc.co.uk).

A fee of £8m would be a considerable one for the Gers to pay, but a new central midfielder should be high up on the list of priorities. Steven Davis recently signed a new one-year contract (BBC) but, at the age of 36, he is unlikely to be able to play every week, while Ryan Jack remains injury-prone.

Therefore, Laurent - who has 14 career goals to his name - could be an astute signing for the 55-time Scottish champions if they beat Brighton to the chase for him. Indeed, £8m may even seem like something of a bargain if he were to replicate his Reading form at Ibrox.

In other news, many Rangers fans slammed this journalist's comments.