Who is Jonathan Panzo? Rangers scouting mission leads to versatile defender on the rise amid Coventry adulation

Michael Beale has made no secret that he will heavily recruit at Rangers during the summer transfer window and Jonathan Panzo looks like a player who could on his radar.

The Nottingham Forest defender, who is currently on loan at Coventry City, has worked with the Ibrox boss before when he was coming through the youth set up at Chelsea. Rangers have a number of players out of contract this summer including star striker Alfredo Morelos, Steven Davies, Ryan Jack, Scott Arfield, Allan McGregor and Ryan Kent. However it is Swedish defender Filip Helander who could be the key to Panzo being signed by the Gers hierarchy.

Helander has struggled with injury since signing from Serie A outfit Bologna back in 2019. He has made 60 appearances for the Light Blues but not pulled on the jersey so far this campaign. If Beale decides he is not keeping Helander then he could be short in the defensive line.

Here's all you need to know about the Gers target:

The 22-year-old is an English defender who plays on loan at English Championship side Coventry City. He came through the youth ranks at Chelsea before signing for Monaco's second team in 2018. After a spell in the south of France he moved to Dijon then penned a deal at Nottingham Forest when they go promoted to the Premier League.

Forest boss Steve Cooper decided to loan Panzo out to Coventry where he has impressed at Mark Robins' outfit so far this season. Panzo has been given caps by England at under 16, 17, 18, 19 and 21 level.

Panzo is left-footed so could make up a back three at Ibrox with Davies and Goldson, or he may have to challenge the pair for a starting berth if a move comes about. He played a number of games for Forest's under 23s and impressed assistant coach Dave