NORTHAMPTON TOWN lead the race to sign midfielder Matt Crooks from Rangers but Scunthorpe boss Graham Alexander hasn’t given up hope of doing a deal this summer.
SportTimes understands the Gers have accepted a bid from the Cobblers for Crooks as he edges towards the Ibrox exit door.
But Scunthorpe still hope to take the 23-year-old back to Glanford Park despite so far failing to meet Rangers’ valuation.
Crooks made 12 appearances for Alexander’s side during a loan stint in League One last term and scored three goals as the Iron missed out on promotion to the second tier.
Northampton have made their move to sign the former Accrington midfielder but United boss Alexander said: “I'm always hopeful. I know there's a will from all parties, but these deals are business deals and we'll see how it goes over the next few days.
“He has got other clubs interested in him but we're in the race.
"I think there might be a better deal from another club but it comes down to a lot more than money sometimes."
Crooks moved to Ibrox twelve months ago alongside Stanley team-mate Josh Windass as Mark Warburton completed a double swoop for the midfielders.
But he struggled to make an impact in Light Blue before leaving on loan during the January transfer window in search of first team football.
Scunthorpe are keen to do a deal ahead of the new campaign but chairman Peter Swann admits the League One side face a waiting game.
He said: “They have not accepted our bid but have accepted one from another club.
“There is not a lot we can do as it is in the hands of Rangers and Crooksy but there is not a need to get into a bidding war.
“Crooksy knows how much we want to have him at the club and he would benefit from us and get his career back on track.
“We have put a really good deal and it is the best we can do. We cannot do any more and it is out of our hands.”
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