Jamie Walker moves away from his marker for his Scottish club Heart of Midlothian

Is this a massive hint that Rangers are close to signing forward?

Sat 29 July 2017 10:43, UK

By Harry Sykes

Rangers target Jamie Walker has been axed for Hearts’ Betfred Cup clash against Dunfermline on Saturday, according to a report.

The Scottish Sun claim that the wide forward, 24, has been omitted from Ian Cathro’s squad for the pivotal fixture, which Hearts may need to win to reach the knockout stages of the competition.

It is said that Walker has been dropped for “footballing reasons” and there are no new developments in Rangers’ bid to prise him from Tynecastle.

Nevertheless, it appears a big hint that the winger’s head has been turned by the sustained interest from the Glasgow giants in signing him before the transfer window shuts next month.

This comes after the Scottish Sun claimed that Rangers are preparing a final take-it-or-leave-it offer of £600,000 for Walker, 24, after having a £500,000 bid rejected.

He has just one year remaining on his contract with Hearts and will be available to leave on a free transfer next summer.

Football Insider verdict:

Walker’s absence from the Hearts squad for a pivotal cup match is the biggest hint yet that his head has been turned by the considerable interest from Rangers. In what has been a long-running saga, Pedro Caixinha has been working behind the scenes on landing the 24-year-old to increase the numbers of proven Scottish Premiership performers in his squad after the huge influx of foreign imports. About time, too. There is a real hit-or-miss feel about Rangers’ summer shopping and they need to land a few more players who have showed they can deliver in the top flight. Walker certainly fits the bill. He had an impressive scoring and creating record for Hearts last season and is entering his peak years. It would be a massive boost to the club if they can pull off this deal.