Since Brexit, it has become harder for Rangers to fend off interest from England for their most talented youngsters.
Philippe Clement has turned to the academy in recent weeks having dumped senior players from his squad before moving them on.
Bailey Rice has impressed Rio Ferdinand, Findlay Curtis has been offered and signed a new contract, however, the manager faces a fight to persuade Zak Lovelace that his future is at Rangers.
Zak Lovelace linked with transfer return to Millwall
According to William Scott, who is the Millwall correspondent for the Southwark News, Lovelace is returning to the club that the Ibrox signed him from three years ago:
“Expect Millwall to still be active over the next fews days – with a potential return for their second-youngest debutant ever on the cards.”
Lovelace being Millwall’s second youngest debutant.
There have been murmurs on social media about Lovelace being homesick.
Footballers are only human, but Millwall isn’t Rangers.
Lovelace is now a bona fide member of a team that finished in the top eight of the Europa League.
The only reason he hadn’t had more game time in the first team is because of injuries, not because his manager doesn’t believe in him.
Lovelace has been offered a new contract, but if he wants to move, Rangers are powerless with his deal extending in the summer.
Local reporters tend to have the inside track on this type of deal and it would be a sore one to take.
Why is Clement giving Lovelace a chance if he’s leaving?
Archie Stevens is believed to have decided his future lies elsewhere and has since joined Dunfermline on loan.
Why, if Lovelace has intimated that he isn’t staying at Rangers, would Clement keep giving him minutes ahead of Curtis, who has committed to the club?
Lovelace, like Stevens, wouldn’t be short of offers if he was made available for loan.
He might be homesick, but he should also consider the fate of Nathan Young-Coombes, who returned to London and the bright lights, only to be without a club just a couple of years later.
The grass, as so many players leaving Rangers have learned, isn’t always greener.
