Rangers have agreed a fee with Ross County for teenage striker James Graham but could still miss out on his signature with Leeds United and Wolves also keen, according to a Daily Record report.
The 16-year-old forward, who is from Lewis, has reportedly impressed the Gers following strong showings for the Staggies’ youth sides.
That prompted a formal approach to the Highlands club and a fee has since been accepted for his transfer.
However, it’s reported that personal terms have not yet been agreed and that several English clubs are looking to snatch Graham away.
Leeds United and Wolves are both said to be keen, with the report suggesting the Gers could miss out to the Whites again, in reference to the Championship leaders’ recent reported acquisition of Charlie Allen [Belfast Live].
The claim that Rangers had missed out on Linfield starlet Allen was refuted at the time by club insider account Four Lads Had a Dream.
Verdict
Relatively little is known about Graham at this stage other than that he has impressed whilst coming up through the ranks at Ross County and has had trials with some of the biggest clubs in the Premier League, including Manchester United and Liverpool.
It wouldn’t be a surprise if the Gers were looking to bring in another talented young player, though.
The club have shown a willingness to invest in youth over the last two years with Nathan Young-Coombes signing from Chelsea, Kane Ritchie-Hosler joining from Manchester City and former Sporting Lisbon academy player Umaro Balde arriving from Portugal.
With other homegrown talents like Kai Kennedy, Nathan Patterson and Leon King creating excitement with their individual performances, there’s a sizeable talent pool already at the club.
It was apparent during the UEFA Youth League defeat to Atletico Madrid in February, though, when Dapo Mebude looked isolated leading the line, that the Gers may lack an out and out goalscorer at Colts level.
Perhaps Graham is being eyed to fill that void in the short-term, with a view to him going on to star for the first team in the future.
