The Daily Record reports that Rangers are planning pre-contract talks with Stoke City striker Tyrese Campbell, upon their return from their mid-season training camp in Dubai.
The 20-year-old is in good form at the minute, having scored three goals in his last four appearances for the Championship outfit.
With his Stoke deal set to expire in the summer, the Gers are said to be angling for a bargain swoop, as they may only have to pay around £400,000 in compensation.
However, they aren’t the only club interested in the England U20 international.
Celtic are also keen on exploiting the cross-border loophole and will look to make their own approach after they too return from the UAE.
The Record report also credits Premier League clubs Wolves, Bournemouth and Crystal Palace with an interest, but they would need to pay significantly more than either of the Old Firm.
It’s said that Stoke manager Michael O’Neill has already sat down with the player to discuss his future, and hopes he will be able to hold onto him.
Verdict
If this report is to be believed, it looks as though Rangers are already planning for the 2020/21 season and beyond.
The club did plenty of pre-contract business this time last year, arranging deals for wide players Jordan Jones and Jake Hastie from Kilmarnock and Motherwell respectively.
The successful signing of Joe Aribo from Charlton in the summer, took advantage of the cross-border rule, ensuring the Gers paid significantly less than the amount any English club would have had to stump up for his services.
With four goals in 20 appearances this season, Campbell’s stats aren’t overly remarkable. However, he’s only just finding his way in the senior game and is an athletically built forward with England youth international experience.
If Alfredo Morelos does leave the club for a big fee in a few months time, Rangers will need to rebuild, and perhaps, in allegedly lining up a move for Campbell, Ross Wilson is making a pre-emptive strike.
