Celtic are aggressively pursuing new signings so far this winter, but their bitter rivals Rangers are yet to bolster themselves despite interest in an array of individuals. While they are closing in on Norwich City star Todd Cantwell, Swansea prodigy Morgan Whittaker has also emerged as a January target as per The Scottish Sun.
The 22-year-old former England youth international progressed through the youth ranks of Derby County before breaking into their senior squad back in August 2019. He went on to make 32 appearances for the Rams before joining the Swans a couple of years ago. Despite impressing in limited minutes, Whittaker was loaned out to Lincoln City for the second half of the 2021-22 campaign. He featured regularly for the Lincolnshire side and eventually joined their fellow League One outfit Plymouth Argyle on a season-long loan.
The Pilgrims, currently on top of the league standings, hit the jackpot by roping in the attacking ace. He fired in 9 goals and laid on 7 more in 25 League One appearances before returning to his parent club earlier this month. Although he has been recalled by Swansea City, his omission from the matchday squad has now sparked transfer speculations.
Why Rangers Must Step Up The Chase
Whittaker is left-footed, but he prefers to operate from the right-hand flank as an inverted winger. Moreover, he has exhibited his expertise as a midfield attacker as well as a second striker, and Rangers, therefore, are ready to cash in on his flexibility in and around the attacking third.
Meanwhile, both Rangers and Swansea are yet to reach an agreement on the transfer fee. The Wales heavyweights have demanded a fee of around £2m for their prized asset, but the Gers have only offered £1.5m which has been turned down by his current employers.
Swansea have turned down a new bid from Rangers around 1.5m for talented winger Morgan Whittaker. ? #transfers
Swansea bought him for 400k and are not accepting Rangers proposal, as of now. pic.twitter.com/omkYeMpeGM
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 19, 2023
Rangers have Fashion Sakala and Malik Tillman who are enjoying a scintillating run of form in their respective right midfield and ‘number 10’ roles. However, the long-term injuries to Ianis Hagi and Tom Lawrence remain a worrying sign, also the likes of Scott Wright, Alex Lowry and Rabbi Matondo have only been deployed sporadically so far this term.
Whittaker might not have the experience of the highest order, but the ceiling is quite high for the youngster who ticks many boxes to fit in Michael Beale’s gameplan. The Ibrox boss is well aware of his potential having monitored him minutely during his brief yet impactful managerial stint in the English Championship with Queens Park Rangers and his arrival would indeed boost the Gers in their attempt to reconquer the coveted Premiership crown in the forthcoming future.
