Rangers have entered talks to sign AEK Athens left-back James Penrice, with new Ibrox manager Derek McInnes identified as a major driving force behind the move.
McInnes has made no secret of his admiration for the 27-year-old, having previously attempted to sign the Livingston-born defender during his time in charge at Kilmarnock.
“I thought it was a brilliant signing for Hearts when they got him. I tried to take him to Kilmarnock. I think he was almost like a young Andy Robertson when he got his move,” McInnes said.
McInnes also reflected on his later spell at Hearts, admitting the defender’s potential made holding onto him a priority concern during that period.
“When I got the job at Hearts, I was kind of regretting saying that and thinking: ‘I hope we can just hold on to him’. But we always felt he was a slight risk,” McInnes added.
“I think he’s done brilliantly for Hearts and he’s deserving of the opportunity that’s been given to him,” the Rangers boss continued, underlining his long-standing appreciation for the player.
Penrice has also drawn praise from Neil Critchley, who described the Scottish full-back as “outstanding,” highlighting the level of respect he commands across the game.
During the 2024-25 Scottish Premiership campaign with Hearts, Penrice contributed two goals and five assists across 33 league appearances while averaging 2.4 tackles per 90 minutes.
That defensive output ranked as the third-highest in the Hearts squad, demonstrating his effectiveness at both ends of the pitch for his side throughout the season.
According to a report from GiveMeSport, AEK Athens are now open to selling Penrice, which has allowed talks with Rangers to progress to a meaningful stage.
Celtic had also expressed an interest earlier in the transfer window, illustrating the competition Rangers may face in securing the defender’s signature this summer.
Burnley have also entered discussions over a potential deal for Penrice, meaning Rangers could face a Premier League rival in the race to sign the left-back.
Despite his move to Greece, Penrice played a limited role at AEK Athens, managing just 1,088 minutes in the league and 116 minutes across five Europa Conference League appearances.
Rangers currently have a clear need for depth at left-back, with Tuur Rommens the only natural option in that position within the squad at present.
Rommens, 23, featured in the opening 1-1 draw against Dundee United but has made just 13 appearances since arriving at Ibrox in January, leaving the position short of experience.
Penrice’s track record of 108 Scottish Premiership appearances for clubs including Hearts, Livingston, Partick Thistle, and East Fife makes him an experienced and proven option in that role.