Rangers want to seal Willoughby transfer as Ibrox news emerges in January
Rangers have joined English sides Bournemouth and Norwich City in a January transfer race to sign Motherwell defender Max Willoughby, according to the Daily Record.
The newspaper shared via their live transfer blog [10 January, 11:27] that Motherwell are determined to hold on to the defender, who is the grandson of former Rangers player Alex Willoughby.
It is said that they hope a clear path to first-team football will convince him to remain at Fir Park after he progressed through the youth ranks.
Rangers may have the upper hand
Given that Willoughby’s grandfather used to play for the club, he may already feel some connection to Rangers, with that and the short distance to travel possibly giving the Ibrox club the upper hand over their English rivals.
With Bournemouth reportedly scouting the defender, and Norwich keeping close tabs on his progress, there is no shortage of interest in him despite having not made his senior debut yet, in a sign of admiration for his talents despite his young age.
It is said that Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell has shown in his time at the club that he is not afraid to give youth a chance in the first team, so a clear path for Willoughby to progress through the ranks may be enough to tempt him to stay.
Rangers will continue to look for high-profile signings for the first team at Ibrox in January, but the arrival of young players like Willoughby can prove key to the future of the club, particularly if he continues his development.
In other Rangers news, one target is set for an intense month as Rangers want to sign him.