Rangers to rival Premier League clubs in the chase for Sunderland's Tom Watson

Rangers are set to rival several Premier League clubs in the race to sign Sunderland academy star Tom Watson, who has one year left on his current deal, according to the Daily Mail.

The Daily Mail shared via its website on 29 July that the England sensation has entered the final year of his contract, and is yet to sign a professional deal with the club, with talks having slowed and rumours of interest swirling.

Rangers have an added bonus in their pursuit of Watson, as any move to Glasgow would require minimum compensation paid to Sunderland, as it would be a move over the border, while Premier League clubs would have to negotiate a fee.

Could be a boost to the academy

Watson made his senior debut in Sunderland's fixture against Huddersfield at the Stadium of Light, aged just 17, and has gone on to make a number of appearances for England's Under 17 side.

While he will still require some time to develop, having still not fully been involved in Sunderland's U21 side competing in Premier League 2, after he made just seven PL2 appearances last season, the teenager is certainly an exciting talent and appears to have a big future ahead of him.

He would likely join up with the Rangers under-18 academy side, with a view to eventually playing in the first team, and may even spend time with the B team to build up his competitive experience.

Taylor would be looking to follow in the footsteps of previous Rangers academy graduates such as Allan McGregor, Steven Naismith, Alan Hutton and Charlie Adam, all of whom went on to make international appearances and play at the top level.

In other Rangers news, a journalist has revealed the player he believes should have played his final Rangers game.