Cashing in on Dessers would free up funds for defensive recruits - Thomson

Cashing in on striker Cyriel Dessers would allow Rangers to bring in much-needed defensive reinforcements, according to the club's former midfielder Kevin Thomson.

Rangers are currently without goalkeeper Jack Butland, and defenders James Tavernier, John Souttar, Leon Balogun and Neraysho Kasanwirjo due to injury, while Dujon Sterling is also a doubt for Thursday's league match against Dundee.

Dessers has been replaced in Philippe Clement's first-choice team by Hamza Igamane recently, but Thomson still feels the Nigeria striker would command a sizeable transfer fee.

"The Old Firm gives you a brilliant platform for any player, whether you're in favour or out," Thomson told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"The modern day market allows you to get money where you think 'wow' for players who aren't good enough to play for Rangers or Celtic.

"I think Dessers is a good asset to the club, albeit he's not playing at the moment. He's scored goals, he's got a good profile and he's a good age. Strikers do become a bit more valuable.

"The club will want to try to get as much money as they possibly can. I do think Dessers might fetch the club some money which would allow some movement in the window. I would expect a defender to come in with the injuries they've had."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds.