Rangers have thousands tied up in Todd Cantwell as Ibrox transfer issue continues
Rangers midfielder Todd Cantwell still being on the books is causing “trouble” on the transfer front at Ibrox, according to Barry Ferguson.
Writing in the Daily Record (23 August), the ex-Gers captain said that a lack of offers for Cantwell, who has handed in a transfer request, is hampering the club’s ability to complete other business this summer.
Ferguson added that Cantwell hasn’t helped himself with his stance on his future at Ibrox, stating that Philippe Clement has done nothing wrong by prioritising players who are firmly in his plans.
He said: “There’s only so much you can do when you’ve got thousands of pounds tied up in a player like Cantwell.
“He wants to go and the club are clearly keen to do business – but there’s not much you can do if the offers don’t come.
“I’m just disappointed it’s come to this with Todd – but Rangers will always be bigger than any one individual and if he doesn’t see his future here then off you pop.
“Clement is absolutely right to place his focus purely on the people who want to be here. The trouble is that until Cantwell goes, he’s stuck with the players he’s got, unable to bring in anyone new.”
Rangers have to move Todd Cantwell on before transfer deadline
Out of favour, out of sight, but far from out of mind, Cantwell’s demotion to the Gers’ B-team by Clement in the wake of his transfer request has had both positive and negative impacts on his situation.
For one, Clement’s decision has made clear that despite making 44 appearances in all competitions last season, Cantwell will not be allowed to take up a place in the side having expressed his desire to leave.
However, as is also the case with another want-away playmaker in Ianis Hagi, restricting the first-team possibilities given to Cantwell could have a hugely negative effect on the 26-year-old’s transfer value.
That has left the midfielder both out of sight and out of mind for clubs which would potentially be interested in him, reducing the chances of an offer coming in which the Gers will accept for Cantwell.
Cantwell and Hagi are not the only players the club are attempting to move on as Clement overhauls his squad this summer [Four Lads, 23 August], and it remains to be seen if the former will be playing elsewhere after 30 August.
In other Rangers news, the club were dragged into the argument following the sacking of Neil Lennon at Rapid Bucharest in Romania.
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