Rangers 'in talks' with EFL side over pre-season friendly

Rangers are reportedly in talks with Southend United over a pre-season friendly with the Ibrox 'B' team.

The Vanarama National League outfit compete in the fifth tier of English football where they finished in ninth position this season – 33 points behind champions Chesterfield. And now Southend Echo report The Shrimpers are in talks over a summer bounce game north of the border, likely to be in mid to late-July.

Rangers director George Taylor is involved in a consortium who are looking to invest at Roots Hall and could be a factor in the proposed friendly. Southend United already have friendly games arranged for July 13 and July 16. Philippe Clement's Rangers first team squad have still to confirm pre-season plans. Record Sport revealed how Birmingham City are keen to line up a friendly against the Ibrox side on or around the date of the first anniversary of Trevor Francis' passing on July 24.

Follow Record Sport on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for all of the up-to-the minute breaking news, video and audio on the SPFL, the Scotland national team and beyond.

You can also follow our dedicated Rangers podcast page and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season. We've also entered the world of WhatsApp with our Rangers community up and running. Follow NOW to get your club's latest breaking news and transfer gossip directly to your phone.