Peterborough United manager Darren Ferguson believes the irreplaceable Ronnie Edwards will go ‘for a lot of money’ amid shock reports linking Rangers with the England U20 international.
The BBC do not tend to make a habit of pedalling speculation. Unless, of course, they are pretty sure that there is some truth to the claims.
So while Peterborough chairman Barry Fry has his doubts about whether Rangers could stump up the required fee for a defender valued at £15 million not so long ago, the source of said rumour certainly creates a feeling of validity.
20-year-old Ronnie Edwards – linked with Rangers via the BBC this week – is one of the biggest talents in the EFL. Peterborough have brought in big money by selling the likes of Dwight Gayle, Britt Assombalonga and Ivan Toney – also reportedly a Rangers target at one point – and Edwards is likely to be their biggest export yet should he bid farewell before now and September.
Returning coach Ferguson hopes it does not come to that, however. Speaking to the Peterborough Telegraph ahead of Saturday’s trip to Northampton Town, the former Manchester United midfielder labelled Edwards almost ‘irreplaceable’.
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Rangers reportedly eye Ronnie Edwards
“You can’t replace Ronnie because there is no-one else like him. And that’s just a fact,” says Ferguson, now in his fourth spell in the London Road dugout.
“But I’m comfortable with the situation because I’m so used to it. It’s just the way it is, and I have no issue with it.
“If Ronnie goes, it will be for a lot of money.”
Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAntony is confident that Edwards – who was the subject of interest from Manchester City, Chelsea, Newcastle United and more a year ago – will one day become a £70 million player.
He seems destined to leave Peterborough for a damn sight less than that, however. Edwards has just two years left on his contract.
Mick Beale eyes a centre-half
Rangers boss Mick Beale has made no secret of his desire to add another defender to the Ibrox ranks. Millwall’s Jake Cooper is reportedly another target, though Beale was quick to dismiss links with Bristol City stoper Zak Vyner.
“There is a lot of speculation about (signing another centre-half),” Beale said, via Football Scotland. “It’s an area we may look to do something
“We’re speaking to different players but, at this moment in time, I’ve got to make sure it makes us stronger. The options I’m looking at, their teams don’t want to lose them either.”