Rangers are in crucial talks with Australian side Melbourne City over the permanent exit of winger Michael O’Halloran this summer, according to the Scottish Sun.
The newspaper report that the Gers are willing to let the 27-year-old winger, who can also play as an attacking midfielder or centre forward, depart this summer having failed to make the grade since joining from St Johnstone back in 2016 in a deal worth £500,000.
The 6’1″ (source: Transfermarkt) attacker has managed to make just 38 appearances for the Light Blues, with another two years left on his current contract, and it is stated that with his chance of making any impact under Steven Gerrard slim, an international switch to the A-League could go ahead, with negotiations underway.
Good move for Rangers?
Absolutely.
There was no chance that the Ibrox faithful were going to give O’Halloran an easy time after he was spotted among the Celtic fans during the Scottish Cup final, and that was the straw that broke the camel’s back.
He really has not looked good enough to be part of a progressive Rangers squad, who are looking to challenge the Hoops for glory over the coming years, and shipping him, along with much of the deadwood at the club, this summer will be a priority for Gerrard.
Getting a fee for his sale will also give the club a boost when it comes to recruitment, and the player himself should see much more senior action over in Australia – a win-win for everyone.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
A move down under would be something of a shock but really no one should be surprised by anything that happens in football anymore.
It all depends on whether Melbourne are willing to meet the asking price the Gers slap on his head, or whether the Light Blues might be willing to compromise just to get him off the books.
Either way, a summer exit looks likely – it just depends on whether that is to Melbourne or elsewhere.
This is Futbol rating: 7/10