Rangers are hoping to take advantage of the same loophole that saw Joe Aribo arrive at Ibrox for a fraction of his value by trying to convince Wigan Atheltic youngster, Kyle Joseph, that his future lies north of the border.
The Sun on Sunday has reported that the 19-year old – who is also on Tottenham Hotspur’s radar – is being lined up for a pre-contract deal after the Latics rejected a permanent offer for the striker from Blackpool, the League 1 side looking to get in the region of £1million for the Scotland Under-21 cap.
It is a clear transfer strategy that is being adopted by Ross Wilson as he looks to take every opportunity to improve Rangers squad whilst working against such harsh financial constraints caused by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The squad has a good balance about it now so the next stage of recruitment is going to be a fascinating one, seeing players who will be bought not to immediately strengthen the first XI, but to develop over a period of time.
Would Joseph be an exciting signing?
Yes
No
We have already seen this season with Cedric Itten and Calvin Bassey that, although they might not be ready yet, there has certainly been enough to suggest that one day they will be competent enough to be trusted to contribute in a successful Rangers side.
Obviously if key players go then replacements will need to be sought and players like Steven Davis, Jermain Defoe and Allan McGregor won’t be around forever, a plan has to be in place for when they do decide to hang up their boots – as we’ve seen since his arrival though, with Wilson at the helm, we are in safe hands.