Gillingham manager, Steve Evans, has confirmed that both Rangers and Celtic have scouted Jack Tucker this season, as quoted by the Scottish Sun.
The 20-year-old centre-back has enjoyed a breakout season in EFL League One.
After loan spells in non-league football with Greenwich Borough and Hastings United over the past two seasons, Tucker has made a big step up and turned out 34 times across all competitions this campaign.
In late February, the Scottish Sun linked both Old Firm clubs with the Gills’ no.27 and Evans has now confirmed their interest.
“Jack has everything,” he said, as quoted by the Scottish Sun. “He’s two-footed, is good in the air and he’s a competitor. He’s got a bright future, make no mistake.”
“I know Ross Wilson at Rangers well. He’s got an extensive scouting network. They’ve watched Jack numerous times. I know Celtic have, too.
“It would be more of a shock to me if they weren’t watching him.”
Verdict
The fact that Rangers already have four senior centre-backs on the books clearly hasn’t stopped the club eyeing up Tucker over recent months.
The Scottish Sun claims he’s valued at £1.5m, which is a hefty fee for a player with less than a full season of EFL experience.
However, the Gers do have previous in terms of swooping for young English defenders, bringing in George Edmundson from League Two club Oldham Athletic last summer.
There’s currently great uncertainty around when the current season will finish, as well as the parameters of the summer transfer window.
Yet, based on Evans’ comments, this is a prospective move worth keeping an eye on.
