Rangers boss Steven Gerrard must be careful with his treatment of major Ibrox asset Ianis Hagi, who has been linked with a €13m (£11.2m) summer move to Lazio [Sport.ro].
The Italian giants have been linked with the Gers star on a number of occasions over the past year, with their sporting director Igli Tare reportedly a big fan.
Meanwhile, Sampdoria, Sevilla and 2019/20 Champions League semi-finalists, RB Leipzig, have all also been linked with interest [Daily Record]
So far, there hasn’t been too much in the way of panic from Rangers supporters.
That’s probably due to the fact that Hagi is under contract until 2024 and because the player himself has made it clear on a number of occasions that he’s happy in Glasgow [RangersTV].
However, things can change quickly in football and the Gers boss must be careful not to alienate the Romania international over this final period of the season.
So far, he has made 40 appearances in all competitions, playing almost 2500 minutes of football.
For context, that’s over 2000 less than ever-present Connor Goldson but over double what summer signing Cedric Itten has received.
At no stage since his Ibrox switch has he been a guaranteed starter, but he may be a little frustrated with how things have gone for him since the last international break in March.
Hagi hasn’t started any of the Gers’ last three matches and wasn’t used at all in Sunday’s Scottish Cup clash against Celtic.
There’s every chance he could miss out on the XI again when the Gers return to Premiership action against St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park on Wednesday night, too.
Scott Wright looks set for a first-ever league start after being put forward for press duty on Tuesday, while Kemar Roofe is also likely to come into the side.
Given that Gerrard is unlikely to take out both Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent, a spot on the bench beckons for Hagi for the fourth consecutive match.
The 22-year-old comes across as a level-headed individual who is keen to develop further at Ibrox and to win more silverware with the club.
Yet, Gerrard should still be wary of the potential for his head to be turned by big European clubs if he isn’t getting much of a look-in in Glasgow and he must continue to receive opportunities if the Gers are to expect loyalty from him.
In other news, Rangers could receive a triple player boost for the St Johnstone clash, while their opponents will be understrength due to an Ibrox transfer clause.
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