Rangers are poised to secure a £20m England international on a loan agreement.

Rangers are reportedly closing in on the signing of defender Ben Godfrey, with the former England international expected to arrive at Ibrox on a season-long loan from Italian club Atalanta.

The move would provide Derek McInnes with another experienced option as he continues reshaping his squad ahead of the new campaign. Rangers have already strengthened several areas of the team during the summer, but reinforcing the defence has remained one of the manager’s top priorities after a number of departures.

Godfrey joined Atalanta from Everton in 2024 in a deal worth around £11 million. However, his time in Italy has not gone according to plan. The versatile defender struggled to establish himself in the first team and managed only five competitive appearances before being sent out on loan in search of regular football.

His spell away from Bergamo included temporary moves to Ipswich Town, Sheffield United and Danish side Brondby. It was with Brondby that he enjoyed the most consistent run of games, featuring 11 times in the Danish Superliga after joining the club during the January transfer window. Although the loan has now ended, Godfrey still has two years remaining on his contract with Atalanta.

Reports suggest Rangers are now ready to offer the 28-year-old another opportunity to rebuild his career. According to the Daily Record, negotiations are progressing well, with McInnes identifying Godfrey as a key defensive target for the season ahead. The Scottish Premiership club is believed to be optimistic that a loan agreement can be completed.

The need for reinforcements at the back has become increasingly important for Rangers during the current transfer window. Several defenders who spent last season at Ibrox have now departed after their loan deals expired. Max Aarons, Nasser Djiga and Derek Cornelius have all returned to their parent clubs, leaving significant gaps in the squad.

There have also been permanent exits. Long-serving captain James Tavernier has moved on following the expiration of his contract, bringing an end to an era at the club. Meanwhile, Emmanuel Fernandez has attracted strong interest from several teams, creating further uncertainty over Rangers’ defensive options ahead of the new season.

McInnes has already begun addressing those concerns by securing the signing of Ross McCrorie from Bristol City. The right-back became one of the first additions of the new era under the former Aberdeen boss, while striker Lawrence Shankland had already agreed his move to Rangers before McInnes officially took charge.

Adding Godfrey would provide Rangers with valuable versatility. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated the ability to play as both a central defender and a right-back, giving McInnes additional tactical flexibility. His pace, athleticism and experience at a high level could prove valuable as Rangers prepare to compete both domestically and in Europe.

Godfrey’s rise through English football was rapid. After impressing with York City in League Two, he earned a move to Norwich City, where his performances in the Championship established him as one of the country’s brightest defensive prospects. His displays helped convince Everton to invest around £20 million to secure his signature, reflecting the high regard in which he was held at the time.

He quickly became a regular at Goodison Park, featuring consistently during his first two seasons with the club and earning praise for his composure, recovery speed and versatility across the defensive line. Those performances also resulted in recognition at international level, with Godfrey receiving an England cap during his spell in the Premier League.

However, changes in management and increased competition for places eventually limited his opportunities at Everton. His playing time declined before he completed his move to Atalanta, where he hoped to revive his career in Serie A. Unfortunately, regular first-team football remained difficult to secure, leading to another series of loan moves.

A switch to Rangers could now offer the fresh start the defender has been searching for. With McInnes keen to strengthen his defensive unit and Godfrey eager for consistent minutes, the proposed loan has the potential to benefit both player and club.

Should the transfer be finalised, Rangers would be adding a player with Premier League, Championship and international experience to their ranks without committing to a permanent fee. For Godfrey, the opportunity to play regularly at Ibrox could provide the platform needed to rediscover the form that once made him one of England’s most promising defenders.