Former Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is eyeing a reunion with ex-United youngster Tom Lawrence, it has been claimed.
Solskjaer has taken over Turkish side Besiktas, ending a three-year period without management. The Norwegian, who was sacked by United in November 2021, is tasked with returning the Istanbul team to the European spot in the Super Lig.
Long before taking over as United's first-team manager, Solskjaer worked with the Premier League club's academy and reserve sides. There he coached Lawrence, who made his Premier League debut under interim boss Ryan Giggs in 2014.
Lawrence, a Welsh international, has been on Rangers' books since the summer of 2022. However, his contract expires at the end of the season and Solskjaer could be ready to pounce.
According to The Mail, Besiktas are not the only ones exploring a free transfer for 31-year-old Lawrence. Premier League strugglers Ipswich are also in the mix, as are Championship clubs Burnley and Sheffield United.
Lawrence has scored five times in 15 games for Rangers this season. Two of those goals came in the Europa League, including the opener in a 4-0 win over FCSB.
However, he has not featured since November, with his last European appearance coming in that FCSB match. A departure for Lawrence could free up space for Gers boss Philippe Clement to make signings in January, although the club have already confirmed a deal for Portuguese defender Rafael Fernandes.
“I am very happy to welcome Rafael to the team,” said Clement after signing Fernandes on loan from Lillle. “He is a young defender who brings many qualities that will be of great value to our team for the rest of this season.”
If Rangers' busy January continues with a move from Besiktas to Lawrence, this could be Solskjaer's first deal since taking over. The former Manchester United manager has signed a contract lasting until the end of the 2025/26 season, with an option for a further year.
Solskjaer already has former Premier League players, including Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Gabriel Paulista, in his squad. However, Besiktas is still far behind in the Süper Lig and is in danger of leaving the Europa League.
With six points from as many games in Europe, they need results from meetings with Athletic Club and Twente this month to clinch a play-off place. Rangers, on the other hand, continue to battle to secure a top eight place in the league stage and progress straight to the round of 16.