Glasgow Rangers are interested in signing a free-kick specialist on a free transfer for new boss Russell Martin.

Busy week for Rangers as 49ers sign Rothwell and Fernandez

The Gers and new owners 49ers Enterprises have had a busy week at Ibrox in regards to new signings, with both Joe Rothwell and Emmanuel Fernandez moving to Rangers on permanent transfers.

Rothwell, who worked with Martin at Southampton in their promotion-winning season from the Championship, arrived from Bournemouth, and hours later, Fernandez was announced as a Gers player from Peterborough United.

Talking after signing Fernandez, Martin said: “Emmanuel is a young defender with a huge amount of potential, and I am excited to welcome him to the club. He has a strong physical presence, is a commanding defender and I believe in this environment we can help him develop and provide him with the opportunities to take his game to the next level.”

The duo join Lyall Cameron and Max Aarons through the door ahead of the Gers’ Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos later this month, and more new additions could be made before the end of the month.

Leicester City defender Conor Coady and Luton Town midfielder Thelo Aasgaard both look on course to head to Glasgow, and another player with EFL experience is also on Martin’s radar.

Rangers also interested in signing free agent John Swift

According to a report from SportsBoom, Rangers are keen on signing John Swift, who is currently a free agent after leaving West Bromwich Albion at the end of June.

The Gers aren’t the only side keen, though, with Championship sides Derby County, Norwich City, Portsmouth and Stoke City also looking at a cut-price deal.

A free-kick specialist, Swift came through the ranks at Chelsea but has made the majority of his career appearances for Reading and West Brom. The 30-year-old has never plied his trade outside of England, so a move north to Scotland would be a first for Swift, should a deal go through.

Former Baggies boss Tony Mowbray praised Swift last season, highlighting his free-kick ability and labelling him as a a “wonderful player”.

"So it shouldn't be a surprise to anybody that John Swift can bend one in the top corner from 25 yards. He is a wonderful player and that is why he has been in the team.”

Previously, former Reading manager Veljko Paunovic also hailed Swift, saying: “Swift is super talented - he showed urgency and wanted to decide the game. It was fantastic execution and vision to play Joao in. Injuries were the main issue for Swift in the past and he has been missed. It’s important to keep him healthy and motivated like he is now.”