BBC pundit: Rangers face competition to sign midfield goal machine
By James Black
Rangers could face competition from England for midfield goal machine Jamie Walker, according to Sky Sports’ Kris Commons.
Walker, who Rangers tried to sign in the summer transfer window, is out of contract at the end of the season and Commons has told the BBC that he feels the 24-year-old could move down south instead.
Despite Hearts’ best efforts, Walker is believed to have told the Hearts board he will not renew his Tynecastle deal and will move on in the summer.
Speaking on BBC Sports Scotland’s Facebook, the former Celtic star said: “He’s in a very, very strong position now, where he’s in the last year of his contract.
“The interest from down south might be generated, but he’s going to have to perform well.
“If he does that it might generate interest in England where they can come in and buy him.
“Jamie is in a win-win situation if he plays well and is professional.
“I think he will be professional, work hard and do everything in his power to play well.”
Rangers had two bids for Walker thrown out by the Hearts board before returning on deadline day to discuss a potential cash-plus-player move to bring Walker to Ibrox.
Hearts maintained their position of refusing to let Walker leave for less than £1m meaning they are now set to lose their star man for free at the end of the season.
Depending on how Rangers peform between now and January, the Gers could move to bring their main target to Ibrox at the start of the year however Hearts could hold firm and keep a hold of Walker until June.
Despite scoring 15 times in 43 appearances last season, Walker has only had limited game time this season as Ian Cathro and Jon Daly have been unsure of the player’s focus following speculation over his future.
In other Rangers transfer news, the club made a last-gasp move to sign a £45,000-a-week striker who would have catapulted them to the league title.
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