Rangers plot swoop for winger likened to young Gareth Bale after 2 Hoops bids rejected – report
Rangers will battle rivals Celtic in the race to sign promising young Charlton winger Alfie Doughty, according to The Athletic.
The Hoops have been long-term admirers of Doughty and even had two bids rejected for the player in the summer.
Known for his blistering speed, Charlton assistant manager Johnnie Jackson has likened the player to a young Gareth Bale at Tottenham.
Doughty is out of contract at Charlton in the summer and the Gers could now strike a deal similar to the one that saw them bring in Joe Aribo.
Charlton have been famed for their ability to bring through promising young talents from the academy in recent years and Doughty could be the next name to leave the club.
Versatility makes Doughty an appealing option
Like many young wingers, Doughty has had to fill in across the board since making his breakthrough at Charlton.
During his seven appearances this season, he has been used on the left and right of midfield and even as a left-back.
If he were to arrive in January, this could also give Gerrard an alternative to Calvin Bassey, who has been used both as a left-back and as a central defender this season.
Given that he is out of contract in the summer, Doughty is unlikely to be expensive if the Gers were to push for a January deal or hold off for a pre-contract agreement.
Strength in depth is certainly something that Gerrard will have to address either in January or the summer – with Brandon Barker, Greg Stewart and Jordon Jones all being linked with moves away from the club.
While the step up in quality would be a sizable test for Doughty, you only have to look at the quality Aribo is showing this season to see that it could be a long-term deal worth completing.
In other Rangers news, Gerrard must make big, bold call and drop ‘phenomenal’ Gers ace v Celtic