Kemar Roofe to Rangers nears as ‘deal imminent’ for key Steven Gerrard target

Rangers are reportedly closing in on a deal for £7m-rated Anderlecht striker Kemar Roofe.

Steven Gerrard has been eyeing added firepower with speculation raging over Alfredo Morelos and Jermain Defoe on the sidelines through injury.

And Belgian outlet HLN state he is about to get his wish as they claim Roofe is poised to head to Glasgow and put the finishing touches on a move to Ibrox.

Cash-strapped Anderlecht are reluctantly ready to sanction an exit for a player who scored seven times in 16 appearances at the Brussels club.

And Roofe’s potential arrival will only intensify talk over what’s next for in-demand talisman Morelos.

The Colombian is wanted by Lille and Bologna as doubts remain over his long-term future with Rangers.

Roofe was a standout at Leeds United before earning the move to Anderlecht last summer and can operate in several positions across the front line.

The 27-year-old started his career with West Brom before a head-turning spell at Oxford earned him his big chance at Elland Road where he scored 29 times in his final two seasons.

Meanwhile, Rangers are reportedly interested in St Gallen striker Cedric Itten – with last season’s Hibs loanee Florian Kamberi set to replace him.

Swiss paper Tagblatt insist Itten could join up at Ibrox from the Swiss Super League runners-up with Kamberi heading the other way from Scotland to Switzerland.

(Image: REUTERS)

Itten missed St Gallen’s final game of the season, a 3-1 loss to title winners Young Boys.

The 19-goal striker’s absence was ominous, especially after grabbing a hat-trick in the previous game against Neuchatel Xamax.

Reports yesterday claimed St Gallen have agreed a transfer fee to bring Kamberi back to Swiss football.