Queen’s Park have accepted a transfer bid for Harris Afzal amid links to Rangers, Celtic and Southampton.
Afzal came up the ranks at Queen’s Park, but now appears all set to part ways with the club.
The 16-year-old left-back was on the bench as Rangers secured an 8-0 victory against his side in the Scottish Cup in early February.
Southampton bid accepted despite Rangers and Celtic interest
According to the Daily Record, despite interest shown by the two Old Firm clubs, Queen’s Park have accepted Southampton’s bid for the Scotsman.
The Saints have agreed a fee with the Scottish side for the teenager, who is set to move south of the border.
Along with Rangers, a number of top English sides were keeping tabs on the attacking full-back.
However, they have all missed out on signing a promising young player, as he now appears set to join the English Championship club
He was given permission by Queen’s Park to go on trial at Southampton, who were impressed with him.
Afzal and his representatives are now in talks with the Saints, and the deal could be finalised this week.
Why Rangers may regret missing out on Harris Afzal
While Afzal would not immediately strengthen the first team, he would be a quality option for the future for the Gers, joining the academy.
The Light Blues have fancied attacking full-backs historically, with their current captain, James Tavernier, embodying that style of play.
Afzal would have been among the better players in the Under-18s and within a couple of years could even have become a part of the first-team picture.
Despite being 16, the Scotsman is known to be extremely technical and physical, and will only get better over the next few years.
His featuring in the matchday squads for Queen’s Park suggests that he is ready to face professionals, which is impressive given his age.
While he is not the best defensively, that part of his game can always be honed before he becomes a first-team regular.
Rangers should keep tabs on him, and if the left-back feels the lack of opportunities on the south coast in the next year or two, the Ibrox outfit could then swoop in.
