Hamburg manager Christian Titz has told the German media former Rangers defender David Bates has been impressing during preseason.
The 21 year old joined the Bundesliga 2 side on a free transfer after his contract expired with Rangers.
Speaking to Hamburger Morgenpost, Titz was asked about Bate’s contribution during the recent friendly against AS Monaco: “David has developed well, he plays very stable. We knew that with David we would get a player who was fast, strong and good in the air. Now we have to work with him.”
Titz added: “David comes from a system where a lot of work has been done with long balls. It just takes a while for this to develop.”
With Bates and Bruno Alves leaving Ibrox this summer, Rangers boss Steven Gerrard brought in Connor Goldson and Nikola Katic earlier in the window to strengthen in defence.
Gerrard would like to bring in another central defender, after it was confirmed a loan deal for Manchester City’s Kean Bryan fell through. Rangers have also been linked with former Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel, but the Fenerbahce player’s salary demands were too high for the Scottish club.
With Rangers starting their league campaign against Aberdeen this weekend, Gerrard remains hopeful he can add to his squad before the window closes.
ND
