Rangers: Mixed emotions at Ibrox as Premier League interest in Archie Stevens emerges
Rangers have certainly spent a lot of time and effort in improving their academy in recent years, and it has certainly paid off.
The likes of current first-team aces Ross McCausland, Robbie Fraser and Cole McKinnon all came through via this route.
And there are also several young stars to have left Ibrox for bigger and better things, with Nathan Patterson and Billy Gilmour making switches to Everton and Chelsea respectively.
The Premier League duo could now be joined by Archie Stevens, with FootballTransfers reporting on Monday (18 March) that several top-flight clubs are keeping tabs on the winger.
The publication noted that Brighton, Nottingham Forest, Wolves and Brentford are all eyeing the 18-year-old ahead attacker of the summer transfer window.
His exit would undoubtedly be a massive blow for Rangers, who will be keen to keep the young star for as long as possible, helping him develop at Ibrox before a high-profile move further down the line.
At the same time, however, the Scottish giants could be looking at a significant fee for his sale, which would really boost their finances this summer.
Moreover, they could be helpless if the player himself does all he can to force through an exciting move down south.
Rangers may be forced to sanction an Archie Stevens exit at Ibrox
If that is the case, Rangers really shouldn’t stand in his way, just as they allowed the likes of Gilmour and Patterson to leave Ibrox for Premier League stardom.
The attacker has only made one senior appearance in his career so far, but is clearly impressing in the youth setup in Glasgow.
He does have experience of English football, with the Gers having signed Stevens from AFC Wimbledon in June 2022.
In other Rangers news, Philippe Clement’s anger is set to grow further as a former Premier League referee lays out a ruling after the Dens Park controversy.
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