Stevie New Rangers manager eyes move for Hibs star McGinn
New Rangers boss wants to hijack Hibs star’s move south
STEVEN GERRARD is weighing up an attempt to hijack John McGinn’s summer move across the border. Record Sport understands the new Rangers boss has been alerted to his availability by director of football Mark Allen and head of scouting Andy Scoulding, both of whom have been tracking McGinn’s situation for months.
In fact, the Hibs player and his representatives were made aware of Rangers’ interest before Gerrard was officially appointed last Friday. And the
Ibrox boss dispatched a scout to Tynecastle on Wednesday to run the rule over the 23-year-old as he suffered a 2-1 derby defeat at the hands of Hearts.
Now Gerrard – who has drawn up a long list of summer targets – must weigh up whether to enter the bidding for one of Scotland’s most valuable young talents.
If Gerrard does, he’ll face stiff financial opposition as it’s believed a number of English sides – including at least one from the Premier League – are preparing to come to the table with bidding likely to start at no less than £3million.
Hibs boss Neil Lennon believes the club should be holding out for as much as £5m even though McGinn only has one year left on his contract. And the player’s price could spiral if a number of potential bidders follow up interest.
Although most of the suitors are believed to be English Championship clubs, some top-flight bosses – including West Ham’s Davie Moyes – have been monitoring McGinn.
But with doubts still surrounding Moyes’ future in East London – despite leading the Hammers to safety by the skin of their teeth – it remains to be seen if he will be in any position to lead the bidding.
Now Gerrard is mulling over the chance to get in early as he plots his first season as a senior manager.
Players will also leave Ibrox this summer and Burnley are eyeing a shock move to take Josh Windass to the Premier League.
The Ibrox attacker has caught the attention of Sean Dyche, who has let Scott Arfield go in the opposite direction.
Rangers are in no rush to sell but with a fee in the region of £2m potentially on offer for the 24-year-old, a deal will be struck if Dyche follows up with a concrete bid.