£1M IFYOU WANT JAMIE
IAN CATHRO has told Rangers they won’t get Jamie Walker for less than £1million.
Hearts have rejected two offers from the Ibrox club for the attacker who has a year left on his Tynecastle contract but has told head coach Cathro he wants to leave.
But Hearts will grant the 23-year-old his wish only if Rangers meet their valuation of Walker.
And Cathro reckons they’d still be getting a bargain. He said: “Jamie is one of the most talented players in the country. He can go on to play at a very high level in the game.
“He will not be leaving here for anything other than a value which reflects that.
“When you look at the market I don’t think you can bring Jamie to your club for anything less £1m.
“But you also see players, maybe
From Back Page because they are at different clubs, going for more like £3m.
“The market can be a funny thing at times. We understand the quality of player we have and as his coach I look forward to continuing to work with him.”
Meanwhile, Rangers started their pre-season campaign with a 5-0 win over Northern Irish outfit Coleraine in a closed-doors match at Murray Park.
Pedro Caixinha handed debuts to summer loan signing Dalcio and fellow Portuguese countryman Fabio Cardoso against the Northern Irish Premiership side.
Croatian Niko Kranjcar caught the eye but it was goals from a Gareth McConaghie OG, Martyn Waghorn, Ryan Hardie, Joe Dodoo and Michael O’Halloran that managed to put Coleraine to the sword.
Another new Gers recruit Portugal defender Bruno Alves didn’t feature as he’s with his national side in Russia at the Confederations Cup.
But last night he reassured Light Blues followers they shouldn’t worry about him missing out pre-season because he has done it throughout his career.
The 35-year-old said: “I have played in plenty of World Cups and European Championships – I always arrive back at a club after they’ve started pre-season and it’s the same at Rangers. There is no problem with my fitness.”