Heerenveen playmaker Joey Veerman is ready for the step up to "a higher level" insists his former boss amid links with Rangers.
The Eredivisie side's technical director Ferry de Haan has stated the club are "looking at" a bid for the in-demand 22-year-old amid the Premiership champions interest.
Steven Gerrard is reportedly an admirer of the 22-year-old as he looks to bolster his ranks in the middle of the park ahead of the new season.
Robert Molenaar, who coached Veerman during his breakthrough at FC Volendam, believes the time is right for the midfielderto leave the Dutch top flight.
He told Votbal Primeur : "He has proven at Heerenveen that he can quickly adapt to a higher level.
"When he joined from youth it was said that he did everything at one pace. But Barry Smith (Moelnaar's former assistant) always said 'They can't kick him' - and that was right."
"That's because his assumption of the ball is extremely good. Technically Joey has a lot to offer and tactically he looks beyond his nose. He is imperturbable."
Veerman has expressed his frustration with Heerenveen's hardball stance over a transfer but it's one the club, and reports in Italy state that it could be out of the range of Hellas Verona.
Corriere di Verona state that asking price is in the region of €10million, far more than the €5million tabled by the Italians.
The Italian outlet state a deal is "some way off" for the midfielder.
Veerman is currently joined up with the 23-man Heerenveen squad for their pre-season training camp and any deal looks some way off.
Do you want an exclusive pre-season Rangers preview - both in your inbox and through your letterbox? Head over here to find out more and secure your copy.
