Rangers backed to win Cameron Archer race after 'exciting' news - pundit
Noel Whelan has suggested the potential lure of Champions League football could help Rangers win the race to take Aston Villa starlet Cameron Archer on loan in the 2022/23 campaign.
The former Leeds and Aberdeen striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed an Ibrox move could be a "real step up" for the 20-year-old.
According to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook (10 June), there is a "lot of interest" in taking Archer on loan in 2022/23 - including from Rangers, Middlesborough, and Watford.
However, the Daily Express claim (14 June) that Aston Villa could look to send the starlet to Queens Park Rangers this summer - where former assistant boss Michael Beale is the new manager.
Archer, who has scored four goals in six senior games for Villa, spent the second half of the 2021-22 campaign at Preston.
The youngster has also scored four goals in his first four caps for England's Under-21 side.
Whelan suggested a potential swoop could be an "exciting move" for Rangers.
“That could be a real step up for him,” he told Football Insider's Ewan Kingsbury.
“He could be playing in the Champions League and fighting for a league title as well. That’s the kind of stage he will want to be playing on.
“He’s a really bright talent as well, and someone I think Rangers would get a real benefit out of.
“He’s got pace, power, goalscoring ability – I think it would be a really beneficial move for a young player. It’s an exciting move.”
Rangers will enter the Champions League in the third qualifying round - the first leg of which will be scheduled for 2–3 August.
The Ibrox club will find out their opponents on 18 July.