Rangers are set to make a move for midfielder Nick Powell and are planning to match the offer made for him by arch rivals Celtic, according to The Scottish Sun.
The national newspaper claim that the Gers are in a tug of war with the Hoops for the 24-year-old midfield maestro and are allowed to talk to him about a move now due to his Wigan contract expiring in the summer.
The Scottish Sun report that Celtic are trying to get Powell to sign a pre-contract with them and The Sun previously claimed that Brendan Rodgers’ side were planning to offer him a lucrative deal to join them.
The Sun’s report states that Powell’s contract Wigan contract sees him earn £19,000-a-week (£1million-per-year) and that he’d need to be given a massive pay rise.
Good move for Rangers?
Yes.
Powell is a tremendous talent who could be the creative spark the Gers need in midfield, and at the age of 24-years-old, it would be possible for Steven Gerrard to build his team around him.
It’s not often sublime talents like the midfielder are available for a reasonable price, however when you consider his contract goes in the summer then it would be foolish for the Gers not to try him to sign a pre-contract with them now.
The powerful 24-year-old has scored four and assisted five in the 18 Championship appearances he has made for Wigan this season and he could be a sensation in Scotland.
This Is Futbol rating: 9/10
Likely to happen?
There’s a chance.
Powell still hasn’t penned a new deal with Wigan despite his contract expiring which suggest he is heading for an exit and therefore about to be on the move.
However the Gers will not only have to see off Celtic, whose offer they’re plotting to match so it would come down to the player’s preference rather than finance, but according to the Scottish Sun Brighton and RB Leipzig are also keen on him.
Therefore it’s good that Rangers are set to make a move for Powell but they need to launch one sooner rather than later, to give themselves the best chance.
This Is Futbol rating: 6/10