Freed Rangers star feels the love from a rival as post-Ibrox transfer option emerges

Dundee manager Tony Docherty has admitted he would “love” to bring former Rangers midfielder Ryan Jack to Tayside this summer.

The vastly experienced midfielder - a player Docherty worked with previously during his time as assistant manager to Derek McInnes at Aberdeen - is a free agent after leaving Ibrox at the end of his contract last season.

No discussions have yet taken place with the Scotland international who has recently returned from Euro 2024, but Docherty has revealed he would be keen on exploring a potential reunion with Jack at Dens Park. The Dark Blues are targeting a new defensive midfielder after seeing Malachi Boateng head back to his parent club Crystal Palace.

When asked if striking a deal for the 32-year-old was a possible option, Docherty responded: “I’d love to think so. I love Jack, he’s a fantastic footballer and a brilliant person. But I’ve not had any conversations with Jacko. If you are getting linked with that type of player then… But it’s just speculation.”

Jack ended his seven-year spell in Glasgow earlier this month after his departure was confirmed along with five other team mates. His lofty salary could, however, prove to be a major stumbling block for clubs in Scotland and a move to the MLS was previously touted. That might be something Jack wants to revisit now that he is available on a free transfer if the opportunity arose.

Injuries have plagued Jack throughout his career and severely limited his game time with Philippe Clement’s side last season. As a result, he wasn’t offered a new contract at Ibrox but was still included in Scotland boss Steve Clarke’s 26-man squad for the European Championships.

Asked to justify his inclusion ahead of the tournament last month, Clarke said: “Experience. Ryan’s been an important part of the squad in my time as head coach. He missed the last Euros. He hasn’t had the best end to the season for Rangers. But he’s been fit the past two or three weeks. He deserves to be there. He’s a midfield player that’s a little bit different.”

Jack posted a farewell message to Rangers supporters on social media on Friday morning. He wrote on Instagram: “Now the season is done and dusted I would just like to say it’s been absolute honour and privilege to wear the @rangersfc badge over the last 7 years it has meant so much to me. From growing up as a fan and having a dream to go and live that dream has been a crazy rollercoaster and one that will live with me for the rest of my life.

“Massive thanks to my family who has always been by my side through the good and bad and has lived every high but also picked me up through every low. Massive thank you to all my teammates that I played alongside, I have met some real good people and friends for life.

“Most importantly massive thank you to the fans, the people who will always be there supporting through the good and the bad, you are the ones that keep driving this great club forward and the support I have had over the 7 years has been nothing short of incredible. Some of the memories we have had together from getting the club back into Europe to 55 onto Champions League football and a European final. Your support has never went unnoticed and will never be forgotten.

“I will now just be one of you and I will be supporting the team moving forward from the outside. I wish Philippe, his staff and players all the best for next season and going forward. Jacko.”