Rangers transfer news as Chelsea give green light for Dujon Sterling transfer to be sealed within weeks
Rangers are closing in on the transfer of Chelsea defender Dujon Sterling on a free transfer, according to the Evening Standard.
The full-back has been on loan from Stamford Bridge at Sky Bet Championship side Stoke City this season making 28 appearances for the Potters in all competitions.
Football Scotland revealed on 11 May that Rangers only needed to negotiate his wages to secure the transfer as they see him as a long-term replacement for veteran full-back James Tavernier.
And according to the Evening Standard [11 May], Rangers are moving a step closer to sealing the free transfer of the 23-year-old with Chelsea giving the green light.
“Former Chelsea academy coach Michael Beale is Rangers manager and the Scottish giants have beaten a host of clubs in England to his signing.
“Rangers offered Sterling a chance to play in the Champions League next season and compete with Celtic for major honours in Scotland.
“He is expected to sign a deal in the coming weeks, subject to a medical and final contractual details being rubber-stamped”, the report reveals.
Sterling has previously had a “mystery illness”, which threatened his career in recent years.
Great deal
Rangers need to strengthen in all areas amid a very disappointing trophyless campaign for the club, who have witnessed fierce rivals Celtic topple them in every competition available.
Beale is expected to be very busy in the summer transfer window, with Rangers set to be linked with a long, long list of players over the coming months.
And it seems he is edging closer to his second deal already, after agreeing to sign Kieran Dowell from Norwich City on another free transfer.
With the Rangers budget uncertain this summer, Beale will have been expected to take advantage of the free-transfer market and Sterling represents another stellar opportunity.
And the 23-year-old certainly seems a decent option for Ranger to think long-term about replacement Tavernier eventually, as his marauding presence, speed, athleticism and potential could certainly endear him to the Ibrox faithful before long.
The young defender impressed on his loan spell in the Championship with Stoke this season, showing superb versatility playing in various positions in the defence and midfield.
Beale is certainly a fan of versatile and adaptable players and Sterling could well take his game to another level under the former Queens Park Rangers boss.
In other Rangers news, Michael Stewart has stated that one player has been a standout for the Gers in an otherwise disappointing season.