David Bates could leave Rangers on a free transfer in the summer as talks over a new contract have stalled, according to the Scottish Sun.
The newspaper claim that the 21-year-old defender, who has regularly featured under Graeme Murty, may opt to leave the club when his current deal expires at the end of the season.
The Scottish Sun also share that Kenny Miller and Niko Kranjcar are likely to leave the club in the summer as they’re expected to not be handed extensions to their current deals.
Bates have made 17 appearances this season, but was injured during the Gers’ 3-2 defeat to Celtic on Sunday.
The centre-back previously told Sky Sports in January that he was leaving contract discussions in the hands of his representation, with the broadcaster stating that Sunderland were interested in signing him.
“I would hope to get something sorted out with Rangers,” said Bates, as quoted by Sky Sports.
“Obviously it’s up to the club and if they can speak to my representatives then that would be great.”
OPINION
It would be absolutely awful if Bates departed Rangers in the summer, and that’s even when you don’t consider that he would be going on a free transfer. The 21-year-old central defender has proven himself to be an important player at the club this season, as he has been able to put in mature performances to get his side clean sheets. Bates’ comments to Sky Sports in January imply that he is happy at the club, but news of his contract talks stalling isn’t going to convince anyone that he is not going to leave Ibrox in the summer. Hopefully, this is just a set-back in his contract discussions and the club will be announcing a new deal for him shortly.