OPINION
Rangers are reportedly set to allow young defender David Bates leave the club on loan before the transfer deadline on Thursday evening.
The Sun’s transfer expert Alan Nixon claimed on his personal Twitter account that the 20-year-old will be allowed to leave the 54-time Scottish champions on loan, after falling down the pecking order under Pedro Caixinha.
Bates broke into the side along with fellow youngster Myles Beerman towards the end of the 2016-17 season, making a total of eight appearances.
However, he has only played twice this time around, featuring in both legs against Progres Niedercorn as the Gers were disappointingly knocked out on aggregate by two goals to one.
Good move for Rangers?
Bates is in the final year of his contract at Ibrox, and desperately needs a loan spell to prove to Rangers why he deserves to be offered an extended stay with his boyhood club.
The former Raith Rovers defender is unlikely to be given any game time by Caixinha, with new signings Bruno Alves and Fabio Cardoso making his chances of first-team football hugely unlikely.
Danny Wilson is considered the Gers’ first reserve, and if Rangers are to hand Bates a new contract, a loan should be secured before the end of the transfer window.
Bates could thrive on such a temporary deal and return to Ibrox a more experienced defender, which would see the Gers profit. A good move for all parties.
This Is Futbol rating: 9/10.
Likely to happen?
Bates was not particularly impressive when given the chance at the back last season, making a number of high-profile mistakes as the Gers failed to match Old Firm rivals Celtic.
Plummeting down the pecking order and with little chance of regaining his position in the starting eleven, a loan is the best option for all parties.
However, it remains to be seen who would be interested in Bates, with the likelihood being that he may have to drop into the second tier of Scottish football for game time.
This Is Futbol rating: 6/10.