Liverpool-owned Luca Stephenson has been linked with a summer transfer to Rangers.
Rangers want to sign a new right-back to replace the outgoing James Tavernier, and the Dundee United loanee’s name has been thrown in the mix.
The 22-year-old penned a long-term contract at Anfield before leaving on loan, so the Premier League giants hold all the cards regarding his future.
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Jim Goodwin does not expect Luca Stephenson to return to Dundee United
Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin has been impressed with Stephenson, but does not see him returning to the club next season.
In his view, the English midfielder, who has played as a right-back this season, will be too expensive for them.
Goodwin also stated that a loan move will not be on the cards as he feels like the 22-year-old wants a permanent move this summer.
Stephenson has been on loan for multiple seasons and no longer wants temporary moves.
This could benefit the Light Blues as he would tick a number of boxes for them.
Charlie Mulgrew has also backed Stephenson to succeed at Rangers should the Ibrox outfit make a move for him in the coming months.
“Can he (Luca) come back again? Honestly, my feeling is that Luca wants to be somewhere permanently,” Goodwin told The Courier.
“He has been on loan for a few successive seasons – his time at Dundee United is the longest he’s stayed anywhere for a considerable period – and I’d expect him to want that stability and chance to kick on.
“Luca is under contract at Liverpool and, given how well he’s done here, I think that would be a considerable transfer fee.”
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Why Stephenson can be James Tavernier’s long-term successor at Rangers
At 22, Stephenson is only going to get better over the years and can be a long-term replacement for Tavernier.
He offers versatility as he can play as a right-back, tuck into central midfield and can also be deployed as a wide midfielder.
This gives Rohl the tactical freedom to ask him to invert and still create a box midfield with one of the attacking midfielders, then get the licence to storm the penalty area.
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Unlike Tavernier, Stephenson is actually pretty good defensively and could adapt his style of play based on the state of the game.
The Liverpool player is also capable of progressing the ball well and is known to find himself in the right position more often than not.
Signing him would mean that there would be no need for a transition period, as he already has the experience of playing in the Scottish Premiership and would hit the ground running.
