Rangers are keeping tabs on Liverpool midfielder Luca Stephenson after his impressive loan spell at Dundee United.
The Ibrox club are in the market for midfield reinforcements, with Nicolas Raskin and Mohamed Diomande both potentially heading for the exit door this summer.
Rangers have already been linked with a number of options to fill that void, as evidenced by the interest in Dan Neil, Elliot Watt and Cammy Devlin.
The Premiership giants have also been looking at Stephenson, who is heading back to Liverpool after spending the season on loan at Dundee United.
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Stephenson makes transfer decision
Rangers have now received a major boost in their pursuit of Stephenson after it emerged that he is keen to find a “permanent home” this summer.
The 22-year-old notably signed a contract extension with Liverpool before re-joining the Tangerines on loan for the season, but he has now revealed that the deal only runs until next year.
Stephenson, thus, admitted that his “biggest priority” this summer is finding a club to settle down with – a declaration that will have caught the attention of teams monitoring his situation, the Gers among them.
The Sunderland-born player has spent three years out on loan developing his game, but has made clear that the next step in his career needs to be different, as he eyes a permanent move as opposed to another temporary spell elsewhere.
He acknowledged that his future at Liverpool remains uncertain, leaving the door open for a permanent exit from Anfield this summer.
Whether that means a new deal with the Reds, a return to Scotland, or a move elsewhere in England, he admits he does not yet know, but his desire for permanency is unambiguous.
Speaking to The Courier, he said: “I’ve only got a year left on my contract at Liverpool. So, I think the biggest priority for me is that, in my next step, I find a permanent home.
“I’ve done three years on loan and have developed a lot. So, I think the next thing needs to be different.
“That could still be at Liverpool, depending on what they are thinking. It could be back up in Scotland or in England – I honestly don’t know the answer to that question. But I am keen to get something permanent.”
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Stephenson would be perfect for Rangers
Although Stephenson does not fit Andrew Cavenagh‘s criterion of being Scottish, he ticks all the other boxes.
Having spent two years at Dundee United, the Liverpool man has racked up 60 appearances in the Premiership and has also worn the armband for the club.
The Govan club are deliberately targeting leaders this summer after Danny Rohl was heard demanding such signings from Cavenagh in the Tynecastle tunnel in April.
While Stephenson may not be captain material yet, he is certainly one who can display his leadership qualities without an armband.
With his deal at Liverpool expiring next year, he is certain to be available for a bargain fee, too.
