OPINION
There is no doubt that Mark Allen’s reign as Rangers director of football has been a success so far, but the former Manchester City man is missing a trick if the latest report is to be believed.
As reported by the Scottish Sun, young centre-back David Bates may leave Ibrox on a free transfer this summer after talks over a new deal stalled.
The 21-year-old enforcer has been linked with Championship side Sunderland in the past, and his good form under Graeme Murty will no doubt be alerting other clubs to his situation after talks hit the skids.
Letting the exciting talent leave Ibrox, especially on a free transfer, would be a criminal mistake from Allen and the Rangers hierarchy, who have made some brilliant decisions recently.
The young stopper has been immense so far under Graeme Murty, having played every minute this calendar year before being forced off with an ankle injury against Celtic.
The fact that Bates is playing so regularly for Rangers at such a young age shows his vast potential, which could see him become a seriously good player under the Ibrox lights.
Admittedly, Rangers would not be losing much money in regards to letting Bates go, with the youngster arriving from Raith Rovers in January 2017 for a development fee.
But money is not the point here.
Graeme Murty, whether he will be at the club after the summer or not, is building a brilliant young squad at Rangers right now, and letting Bates go would weaken the work that he has done.
With Murty’s future itself being uncertain, this one comes solely down to Allen, and he must pull out all the stops to get Bates to sign that new deal.