English manager confirms Rangers interest in player who has ‘got everything’
Gillingham boss Steve Evans has heaped praise on young centre-back Jack Tucker and said he’s not surprised that Steven Gerrard wants him at Rangers in the summer.
The Gers could end up in a tussle with bitter rivals Celtic for his services, however, with Evans stating that both Ross Wilson and his Hoops counterpart have personally scouted the 20-year-old who is rated at £1.5m.
The defender has been a mainstay for the League One side this season, making 28 league appearances for his current employers.
Speaking to the Scottish Sun Evans said, “Jack’s got everything.
“He’s been a little inconsistent lately after a lot of good publicity but I’ve seen that before with young players, the likes of Lewis Cook, now playing in the Premier League at Bournemouth, and Chris Wood who I signed for Leeds and is now scoring regularly at Burnley.
“Jack’s two footed, is good in the air and he’s a competitor. He’s got a bright future, make no mistake.
“It would be more of a shock to me if Celtic and Rangers weren’t watching him. I know Ross Wilson at Rangers well. He’s got an extensive scouting network. They’ve watched Jack numerous times. And I know Celtic have too.”
What does this mean for the Gers?
It sounds like Evans is talking Tucker up for a sale here, and that can only be good news for Rangers.
A report in the Daily Mail said that Gillingham could be forced to cash in on their star asset as soon as the transfer window opens because of financial troubles.
However, that’s also alerted teams like Leeds United, West Ham and Southampton to his availability too.
It could well be a case of who can offer the fastest track through to first-team football for the player who’s attracted attention after making 28 league appearances for Gillingham this season.
In terms of what he can offer right now, Tucker’s numbers are impressive.
He has won 7.61 defensive duels per game this season, as per Wyscout, as well as making 5.71 interceptions, winning 4.75 aerial duels, and recovering the ball 15 times.
As a point of reference, Connor Goldson has won just 4.2 defensive duels per game this term, as per Wyscout.
It’s therefore no surprise that Tucker is a man in demand but it could mean that whoever gets him will have to pay a premium.
Will that force the Gers out of a swoop? Only time will tell.
In other Rangers news, a report reveals what will happen to Ibrox loanees amid the Coronavirus chaos.