Rangers linked star is “scapegoat” for relegation form says club icon

Add as preferred source on Google

An out-of-contract Rangers linked Premier League midfielder is being made a “scapegoat” for the team’s poor performances this season, according to an icon of the English club’s.

John Lundstram, 27, was heavily linked to Ibrox last summer – originally by the Athletic – with a host of Premier League clubs also monitoring the player’s situation.

For whatever reason, Lundstram opted to remain at Sheffield United with his contract expiring come the end of the season as the side proceeded to have a disastrous campaign.

The former Everton and England youth international was a key figure in the side’s impressive Premier League campaign last season but hasn’t been able to affect the slump in this campaign.

Sheffield United are now without manager Chris Wilder – who steered them to the English top flight and was desperate for Lundstram to stay – and the side relegated earlier in April.

Lundstram has come in for much criticism for the side as he continues to play an important role for the Blades amid a horrific run of form.

Former Bramall Lane goalkeeper Paddy Kenny leapt to the midfielder’s defence and claims he’s being made a “scapegoat” for the club’s awful form.

Kenny also believes Lundstram is a “£10m player”.

“It’s a difficult one. He’s getting a lot of criticism at the moment with the way he’s playing,” said Kenny [Football Insider].

“But you could look at every player and say that. None of them are playing to the standard we want them to.

“Because he’s gonna be out of contract he’s maybe being used as a scapegoat.

“He’s turned down a deal and looking like he’s going to move on. Because of that, people are jumping on him even more.

“He’s probably a £10m player and would be a fantastic Championship player at that level.”

Whilst talk of Lundstram joining Rangers appears to have cooled there is another midfielder being linked with a summer move to Ibrox.

Only far from be free, this 22-year-old playmaker is reportedly worth £5m to his current side.