Rangers are likely to face a Premier League battle for Ronnie Edwards with West Ham United reportedly sending scouts to watch the Peterborough defender last week.
According to the Daily Mail, talentspotters working on behalf of the UEFA Conference League champions were in attendance as Darren Ferguson’s side swept League One promotion rivals Barnsley away at Oakwell on a balmy Tuesday night in South Yorkshire.
And while Ronnie Edwards did not have his best night against the Tykes – there were a few misplaced passes and the odd nervy moment from the England U20 international – interest from one of the Premier League’s more deep-pocketed clubs offers a reminder of the size of the task facing Rangers should their step up their pursuit.
Peterborough’s always-outspoken chairman Barry Fry has already cast doubt on Rangers’ ability to finance a deal for one of the EFL’s most coveted youngsters. Edwards was, after all, valued at a reported £15 million back in 2022.
Rangers’ Ronnie Edwards interest feels ambitious
“Rangers have been to a lot of our games. But I have not spoken to anyone directly from the club,” Fry tells the Daily Record.
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“That means nothing. They could be watching the opposition or some other player. There have been some suggestions they are going to bid for him, but they haven’t bid for him yet. I’m not even sure if they have the money to bid for him.”
“Ronnie is an exceptional player, and he will go,” Fry adds. “He’s only 20, and he has played 19 times for England U19s and U20s.
“He is the only player outside of the English Premier League in either of those two squads. He was part of the U19 European Championship-winning team, played all four games at the World Cup at U20 level.
“We’ve had plenty of interest. We have turned down a few bids from Premier League clubs because they haven’t been big enough. We are in no rush to sell him. He has two years left (on his contract) plus an option (to extend).
“We won’t stand in anyone’s way if the offer is right. But, so far none, of the offers have been right.”
Jake Cooper an alternative option
It remains to be seen if West Ham – let alone Rangers – opt to make a concerted approach for Edwards over the final week of the window. Still under contract until 2025, Peterborough are under no pressure to accept lowball offers.
As such, Rangers may consider the likes of Millwall’s Jake Cooper – a free agent in less than 12 months’ time – as a more affordable, attainable option.