Matthew Chadder

Sun 11 June 2023 8:53, UK

Nottingham Forest defender Jonathan Panzo is set to seal a switch to the Ibrox, with Rangers leading the way ahead of Coventry and West Brom, as reported by the Daily Record on 10 June.

Rangers boss Michael Beale is a long-time admirer of Panzo and has had the player watched on various occasions this season during the 22-year-old’s loan spell at Coventry.

The left-sided centre-back was a key part of the Championship club’s run to the play-off final, featuring 29 times in the league, scoring once and providing an assist.

And the former Monaco man was subject to interest from the Baggies, however, Beale’s connection to the player, having coached him as a kid at Chelsea, means Rangers are leading the way for his signature.

Panzo was part of Steve Cooper’s Under-17 World Cup-winning England side six years ago and was signed by his old boss for Forest last summer before being sent straight on loan to Coventry.

Missing out

It seems West Brom will miss out on their transfer target with a Rangers move edging closer. After a solid season in the Championship, Panzo would have been a smart signing for the Baggies due to this experience in the division.

At the age of 22, Panzo is widely experienced having come up through the ranks at Chelsea, played in France as well as England and featured for his country at youth level. If a move to Rangers eventually breaks down, West Brom should continue to push for Panzo’s signature.

It seems strange that Nottingham Forest would let the player go after only signing him last season and not giving him a fair opportunity at the club, however at Rangers or West Brom he is more likely to get first-team football.

While the club should continue to push for Panzo, if a deal looks unlikely they should also be focussing their attention towards other transfer targets ahead of the new season starting.

In other West Brom news, more uncertainty continues to surround the club.