Rangers pursue loan deal for Burnley star Hjalmar Ekdal – report.

A Swedish outlet reported on 11 January that Burnley are set to allow Swedish center-back Hjalmar Ekdal to leave on loan this January.

Rangers are among the clubs interested in the 26-year-old defender, but they face competition from Middlesbrough, Stoke City, and several Italian sides for his temporary signing.

Ekdal, a seven-cap Sweden international, has struggled with injuries this season and has yet to feature in the Championship.

Despite this, he could provide much-needed depth to Philippe Clement’s underperforming Rangers squad.

Rangers’ Urgent Need for Reinforcements

Clement is under pressure to turn things around at Ibrox, with his side currently trailing league leaders Celtic by 18 points.

While they have a game in hand against St. Johnstone on 12 January, even a win would still leave them 15 points adrift—a gap deemed unacceptable.

Given the slim chance of catching Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic side, Rangers must focus on damage control, progressing in the Europa League, and competing in domestic cup competitions.

Patrick Stewart, Rangers’ newly-appointed CEO, has reassured Clement that he will be given time to improve the team’s fortunes.

This starts with the January transfer window, where the focus should be on securing long-term solutions rather than short-term fixes.

Loan deals may be of limited value given the current situation unless there is potential to convert them into permanent transfers in the future.

Strengthening the squad with strategic, lasting additions will be key to rebuilding and closing the gap.