Rangers have made a noticeable change to their transfer policy since Ross Wilson cam on board with a host of talented teenagers being drafted into the B team with the hope that they can one day be promoted into the senior side.
The most recent additions have been Charlie McCann and Juan Alegria with The Daily Record reporting that the next one in line to be targeted being James Hill of Fleetwood Town, as told by owner Andy Pilley:
“There were two Premier League clubs who made bids for James and there was also a bid from the Scottish Premiership.
“I wouldn’t like to say who the clubs were, but unfortunately the bids weren’t of sufficient numbers for us to trade in.
“We’re quite relaxed about his situation. It might be that he goes in January, but he’s going to go at the end of the season unless he signs a new contract.
“He’s out of contract this summer, but we’re relaxed about his position because we’re entitled to compensation which will no doubt be significant.
“We’re at a stage now where we’re literally having to decline scouting requests because we’ve virtually got the entire Premier League coming along to watch him.”
Hill is a highly rated midfielder who first rose to prominence as a 16-year old under Joey Barton’s tenure, becoming the club’s youngest player when he made his debut and he more than fits the profile that Rangers have adopted in recent signings.
Pilley doesn’t mention us specifically but it is believed that we are the club from Scotland who made the offer during the summer, we will have an advantage if he doesn’t sign for anyone in January though given that we would be able to offer a deal before any clubs south of the border.
The fact that Hill is out of contract will be hugely attractive to our sporting director and for all that we will have to compete with clubs in the Premier League for his signature, the fact that we can offer a clearer path to the first team and, almost, guarantee European football, it could swing things in our favour – it also helps that we have a bona fide footballing legend as our manager.