MARK WARBURTON, the Rangers manager, revealed last night that he is pushing to steal in ahead of major English clubs for Livingston teenager Matthew Knox as Greg Stewart, another transfer target, hinted that he is ready to listen to offers to move away from Dundee.
Knox trained with Rangers last month and negotations are continuing despite David Hopkin, the Livingston head coach, stating that he will fight “tooth and nail” to keep the 16-year-old, who made his first start in Tuesday’s 1-0 win over the Ibrox side.
Knox has spent time at a number of English clubs including Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea, but Warburton likes to sell Rangers on the fact they can provide a relatively quick progression to first-team level.
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“Matthew is a talented young player,” said Warburton, also understood to be watching Wycombe Wanderers striker Aaron Holloway. “There’s talks going on obviously.
“He is a young talented player and, as a club, we have to make sure we get the best young talents and bring them in.”
Hopkin, however, is lobbying his board of directors to withstand offers and keep Knox for at least another season.
“I am fighting tooth and nail with the board and I think they are going to back me to keep him,” he said. "He is a phenomenal talent and there is a lot of clubs interested in him.
"I want to keep him for an extra year or two years and develop him myself because I think he is going to be something special.”
Dundee forward Stewart has been on Warburton’s radar for some time and could be available at a competitive price in the summer as he moves into the final year of his current contract.
He has not spoken to the Dens Park club about an extended deal as yet and stated, in the wake of being nominated for the PFA Scotland Player of the Year award, that he has not decided whether he wants to stay for the longer-term.
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“Do I expect an offer from them? Basically, that’s what I am waiting on, yes,” said the 26-year-old.
“Would I sign an extension? I’ve not made my mind up yet.
“As a footballer, you always want to play at the highest level possible. Whether it’s at Dundee or elsewhere, I don’t know.”
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