The Grove football blog

  As the season draws to a close and the transfer window opens there is again talk of a rebuild at Ibrox. Philippe Clement has improved a Rangers side he inherited and has already made his intent clear with the kind of signings he wants to make. Diomande has done well enough, but is sure to improve with a solid pre-season, Cortés looked great before falling injured and Silva has contributed well despite moving out of position for most of his spell. Diomande will be signed in the summer with Cortés likely to join him, it is unlikely Silva will make his move to Ibrox permanent. Over the past few years Rangers have done well at recruiting solid free agents, players here have included Calvin Bassey, Steven Davis, Dujon Sterling, Tom Lawrence, John Lundstram and Kieran Dowell amongst others. These free agents have been crucial in forming the Rangers squad with several becoming key players over the years. Saving money on a transfer has unfortunately not been entirely successful though. ...

The Northern Ireland national team is going through a transition period with younger players getting more game time under Michael O’Neill. This could be an exciting summer for Northern Ireland fans as we watch the transfer window with several players linked with moves to a higher level.  Sunderland duo Trai Hume and Daniel Ballard have been repeatedly linked with moves to the Premier League with Aston Villa said to be in the hunt for Hume. There is also interest in several Irish League players with Larne’s Lee Bonis attracting attention across the water while we have become used to seeing our promising youngsters leave their local clubs for the chance to play at a higher level in England or Scotland.  This summer we have as many as 13 internationals  coming to the end of their contracts. The list of players below are those out of contract this summer, who have yet to sign a deal with a club for next season. It is likley several will get renewal offers with their current c...