Ryan Jack is a target for clubs in both Scotland and England but will reportedly commit himself to another season at Mick Beale’s Rangers instead.
The Gers boss was far from complementary about Alfredo Morelos’ attitude following Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Aberdeen, confirming that the Colombia international will be on his way out of Ibrox when his contract expires in the summer.
But make no mistake; Beale certainly couldn’t profess to having any similar concerns over Ryan Jack.
The former Aberdeen skipper has been a picture of reliability and professionalism during six years in Glasgow. And it’s telling that – while Morelos and a number of other first-team regulars prepare to say their goodbyes – Jack has been identified as a player Beale wants to retain during what is likely to be a period of transition at Ibrox.
Mick Beale wants to keep Rangers’ Ryan Jack at Ibrox
Jack, the Scottish Sun say, is ‘close’ to signing a new one-year deal. His current contract expires in less than two months’ time.
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The all-action midfielder has caught the eye of clubs on both sides of the border, albeit it remains uncertain whether he has admirers in the Premier League or the Championship. But his experience, consistency and ability to lead by example means the 31-year-old still has a major part to play, even if his game time is likely to be diminished somewhat by the arrival of a new midifelder or two during the summer.
Rangers are reportedly close to signing Kieran Dowell from Norwich City. He could partner January recruits Nicolas Raskin and Todd Cantwell in a new-look, youthful midfield trio.
But, as Beale himself points out, no one should take the role Jack plays for granted.
“I think he’s been excellent,” Beale told Go Radio recently.
“A lot of people have been talking about Raskin and Cantwell. And rightly so because they have impressed. But Ryan Jack’s been a big part of that.
“He’s the one that keeps it solid in the middle of the pitch. He lets the footballers go and do their stuff.
“The only issue with Ryan Jack is making sure he continues to be fit week in and week out. If Jack is free of injury, I still think he’s got a big part to play at Rangers.”