OPINION
Mark Allen and the Rangers hierarchy must do all they can to hang on to rising star Dapo Mebude.
The 17-year-old striker has made a huge impact for the reserves this season and has been promoted to train with the first team following his glow of goals for the club’s various youth teams.
Rangers have a potential star of the future on their hands in the Scotland Under-19 international, who is also able to play at full international level for England and Nigeria.
But a contract impasse could see the Light Blues cashing in on him, just like they did last year when brilliant teenager Billy Gilmour quit Ibrox to join Chelsea.
Football Insider claim Mebude has rejected Rangers’ initial contract offer and this has placed a number of English clubs monitoring his situation on high alert.
Director of football Allen works within the budget given to him by a board reliant upon the generosity of their directors rather than a self-sustaining business model lik rivals Celtic.
But the transfer and contract negotiator has to work his magic and use all his persuasive skills to persuade Mebude that his career is best served by remaining at Ibrox.
Sure, Rangers must tempt the teenager with a deal that reflects his immense promise, but he is still yet to play for the first team and must prove his value before getting a big contract.
It could require Allen to work the oracle like never before to get an agreement in place before it’s too late.