By Wayne Veysey

2nd Apr, 2023 | 7:57am

Sources: Rangers plan to exploit rules to beat Newcastle & co to Jack McEvilly signing

Rangers are confident they have an advantage over Premier League clubs in the race for Burnley sensation Jack McEvilly, sources have told Football Insider.

The Glasgow giants have a strong interest in the left sided centre-back, 16, who is regarded as one of the best young defensive prospects in England.

Rangers and their Old Firm rivals Celtic have made regular checks on McEvilly this season and have registered their interest in a potential deal this summer.

One big advantage the duo have over clubs down south is that cross-border rules mean Scottish clubs only have to pay a maximum £300,000 compensation for out-of-contract players.

Premier League clubs could end up paying multi-million pound fees for the best young English talent as there is no cap on development costs and what they have to pay.

The young defender, who is the son of former EFL striker Lee McEvilly, is also wanted by the Premier League elite including Newcastle, Man United  Everton, Crystal Palace and Brighton.

McEvilly has already featured for Burnley’s under-21s side at just 16 years old and is seen as an exciting prospect by Scottish and English clubs.

The Scottish giants are now hoping they can exploit the difference in rules north of the border to increase the likelihood of landing a deal for the talented teenager.

Recent Celtic academy products include Ben Doak, 17, who has already made his senior debut for Liverpool.

More senior players Kieran Tierney, Anthony Ralston and Jack Hendry also started their careers in the club’s youth setup.

Rangers are also looking to add to their young talent pool that includes Leon King, Adam Devine and Alex Lowry who have been breaking into the first team at Ibrox.

In other news, Agbonlahor can’t believe Aston Villa could sign Alfredo Morelos after ‘whispers from Rangers’.