Jonathan Panzo eyed by Rangers as Nottingham Forest loan standout known to Michael Beale scouted

Rangers have been running the rule over Nottingham Forest defender Jonathan Panzo.

The Light Blues have scouted the central defender, who is currently on-loan at Coventry City. Michael Beale is looking to strengthen all areas of his squad and Panzo is one of the players on his defensive radar. The England under-21 international moved to the City Ground from Dijon last year. The 22-year-old was immediately put out on-loan to Coventry, where he has been a standout for the Sky Blues in the Championship.

Panzo has previously worked with Beale when he was coming through the ranks of Chelsea. He has since moved abroad for senior spells with French sides Monaco and Dijon before he returned to the Premier League new boys. It remains to be seen if Forest would be prepared to cash in on Panzo or would look for another loan, with the added incentive of European football.

Forest manager Steve Cooper has previously worked with Panzo coming through the England under-age ranks. Rangers are watching Panzo’s situation closely although they are also keeping a close eye on other defensive targets. The Ibrox scouting team have been out in force looking at targets south of the border and all across Europe.

Beale has a number of big decisions to make with Alfredo Morelos, Ryan Kent, Scott Arfield, Ryan Jack and Steven Davis all out of contract. Malik Tillman is on-loan from Bayern Munich, although Rangers have the option to buy him at the end of the season. Beale has already made it clear he will be looking to freshen up his squad over the summer.