Rangers: Michael Stewart issues expensive transfer verdict amid ‘vital’ John Lundstram talks
John Lundstram is a “vital” part of the Rangers side and it will be extremely expensive to replace him if he leaves, says Michael Stewart.
The pundit said live on Viaplay Sports during the 2-0 Scottish Cup win at Hibs (10 March) that if the midfielder were to leave Ibrox this summer it will cost “a lot of money” to fill the gap, which also brings with it further risks.
Former Sheffield United man Lundstram is currently in contract talks with the Gers over a new deal, with his current terms expiring at the end of the season.
Stewart said (7.30pm): “Looking to replace someone like that it costs a lot of money, and also then you’ve got to hope that the person settles into the team.
“He’s a vital part of this side in that crucial area of the park.”
John Lundstram and Philippe Clement want Rangers stay
Despite some of his other pronouncements during the game at Easter Road Stewart is right about this situation, so a new Ibrox deal for the Englishman looks a key priority heading into the summer.
Lundstram has emerged as one of the pundit’s favourites in the Gers squad and in that regard he looks to be in the same position as Philippe Clement as the Belgian has revived the player’s form and uses him whenever possible.
Mohamed Diomande’s arrival has equally bolstered the midfield but the “huge” cost of doing so, £4.5million, illustrates that it will be far more cost-effective to reach an agreement with Lundstram than look to find another, potentially younger, player to fulfil the role.
At 30 he is right in the age-range where some players start to slow down or break down, whereas others could have years left at his position.
Ryan Jack and Steven Davis are arguably good examples of either camp, and with the latter no longer in the Ibrox squad having just bowed out of the game at 39, while the former is but still keeps being unable to play through injury at 32, it probably increases the need to get a deal done.
Both Lundstram and Clement have made clear they want the relationship to continue, and while he has been able to talk to foreign clubs for two months now there has been no indication that he is looking elsewhere, but the ongoing talks aren’t guaranteed to reach a positive conclusion.
In other Rangers news, the club are eyeing up a free transfer swoop to land a goalscoring option for the midfield.
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