Rangers and Celtic in battle to sign exit-bound Derby forward Tom Lawrence
Rangers and Celtic have joined the race to sign Derby and Wales forward Tom Lawrence this summer, according to TeamTalk.
The football news outlet reports that a whole host of clubs are keen to sign the 28-year-old, including Leeds, Southampton, Bournemouth, Fulham, Watford, West Brom, Nottingham Forest and clubs in Turkey.
It is understood that Lawrence’s contract at Pride Park expires next month and he’s not set to sign new terms following Derby’s relegation to England’s League One.
Solid signing
Lawrence would be a very good addition to the squad at Ibrox.
Although Derby were relegated due to their financial position resulting in a points deduction, Lawrence has been one of the better players in the English Championship in recent years.
It says a lot that established Premier League clubs are looking to sign him after he scored 11 goals and supplied five assists in 38 league appearances for the Rams this season.
Derby manager Wayne Rooney has been impressed by Lawrence this term.
As quoted on Derby’s official website on 9 February, Rooney said: “Tom has been excellent and he really has led by example on the pitch.
“I know some people may have looked at the decision I made in the summer, when I made him captain, and thought it was a bit controversial – but I knew it was in Tom.
“I have known him for a long time, since he was a young lad at Manchester United, and I know how to get the best out of him.
“I think we are seeing his quality from an attacking point of view, but what sometimes goes unnoticed is the work rate and effort he is putting in during every game.”
Lawrence is versatile, too.
He can play as a striker, left-winger or as an attacking midfielder so he could provide extra depth in multiple areas for the Light Blues.
The Wales international has also worn the club captain’s armband and has experience of playing in the Premier League from his time at Man United.
We’d be delighted if we can sign him on a free.
In other Rangers news, the Light Blues are in pursuit of this European club’s “star man” as they look to sell him this summer.