Rangers are making moves to strengthen their squad this summer, and they've set their sights on a promising young talent from Liverpool. According to Football Insider's Pete O'Rourke, the Gers are genuine contenders to sign 22-year-old Luca Stephenson, a defensive midfielder who's ready to leave Anfield for good in search of regular first-team football.

Stephenson has spent the last two seasons away from Liverpool on loan, most recently impressing at Dundee United before a hamstring injury cut his campaign short. In 33 appearances for the Tannadice side, he scored five goals and provided five assists, even captaining the team against Motherwell in February. That kind of output caught Rangers' attention, and they've been tracking him closely all season.

Here's where it gets interesting for Rangers fans: Stephenson isn't just seen as a midfield option. The club reportedly views him as a long-term solution at right-back, a position that's become a priority after James Tavernier's departure. With the Ibrox side needing to shore up their defense, Stephenson's versatility could be a major asset.

Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin has already hinted that Stephenson won't be returning for another loan spell. The player wants a permanent home where he can nail down a starting spot—something that's unlikely at Liverpool under Arne Slot's current setup. And Liverpool, having secured Stephenson on a new contract before his latest loan, are in a strong position to demand a significant transfer fee.

O'Rourke confirmed on the Transfer Insider podcast: "He's somebody that Rangers did look at and were keeping tabs on. Long-term, Stephenson is ready to leave Liverpool on a permanent basis. He wants to find a permanent home and nail down a place in the starting XI on a regular basis, and he doesn't think he will get that at Liverpool."

For a Rangers side looking to rebuild and compete on multiple fronts, Stephenson represents an intriguing option. At 22, he's young enough to develop into a key player, experienced enough to contribute immediately, and versatile enough to fill a defensive gap. Whether he's the answer to their defensive problems remains to be seen, but he's certainly a step in the right direction.