Rangers push for Morgan Whittaker damaged by Swansea exit for Michael Obafemi
Swansea are more reluctant to let Morgan Whittaker move to Ranger because they are about to see Michael Obafemi leave for Burnley, the Daily Record reports.
The Light Blues are reported to have returned with a new bid worth £2million for the young winger [Fabrizio Romano, 27 January] but it is still thought to be difficult to prize him away from South Wales, after being recalled from a successful loan spell at Plymouth.
The Swans’ Irish international Obafemi is heading to Vincent Kompany’s Championship table-toppers Burnley on a loan-to-buy deal, reducing the attacking options in Russell Martin’s squad and affecting the Gers’ chance of landing Whittaker, although if a deal is reached quickly on both fronts they may have time to bring in replacements.
The 1.09pm update from the Daily Record on Friday said: “Swansea would be reluctant to see Whittaker leave, especially with fellow attacker Michael Obafemi closing in on a loan-to-buy move to Burnley in a fee which could reach £4million.
“But, with ample time from now until the deadline, they could use both payments wisely to bolster their squad.”
Bridge too far?
Of the three primary deals that have been widely regarded as in the works this month, the 22-year-old winger has felt like the hardest to get done.
Martin has made quite plain what he feels about it and wanted to put an end to the prospect by playing Whittaker last week, which would have ruled out a move until at least the summer.
However the player didn’t feature, and with Swansea already out of the FA Cup they don’t have a game this weekend either, leaving the door tantalisingly ajar for Michael Beale and Ross Wilson.
There was nothing like the same impetus to keep Todd Cantwell at Norwich, and despite the negotiating stance in Belgium there is little for Nicolas Raskin to remain at Standard Liege for.
But Whittaker is wanted by his current manager, and if Obafemi leaves he is going to be needed that much more as well.
Despite the number of bids for right-sided wide man being disputed by competing reports and both managers, it seems clear that Rangers are intent in taking it down to the wire before giving up, so it could still get done, but this move in the opposite direction might put it out of reach.
In other Rangers news, a former Gers player has been linked to a dramatic return to Ibrox this month and his manager has now spoken out on the subject.