According to the latest reports from the Scotsman, Celtic are hoping to beat Rangers to the signature of Bolton Wanderers’ youngster Ronan Darcy. The Hoops have been keeping track of the striker who has started to play first-team football for the League One outfit.
It remains to be seen now whether Rangers will up the ante to sign Darcy now that Celtic have also entered the race to get him. The 18-year-old forward has so far featured in 7 games in all competitions this season. Currently, Darcy has fallen down the pecking order after Bolton went through a takeover by new owners and a flurry of signings were made in the last few days of the transfer window.
Nevertheless, the fact that he has been involved in first-team football at such a young age should stand him in good stead in the future. Darcy is already in the final year of his contract at the club, and he can be signed on a free transfer by next summer. It is yet not clear whether Celtic or Rangers will wait until the summer of 2020 to get him or whether they will try to poach him in January.
Reports from the Sun earlier emerged that English outfit Leicester City are also interested in the young English forward.
One for the future?
It is highly unlikely that Darcy will be drafted into the first team at Rangers straightaway if he gets a move to Ibrox. Darcy will have to bide his time in the youth team before he gets a chance to play for the senior side. Rangers currently have two established forwards in their arsenal in the form of Alfredo Morelos and Jermain Defoe.
However, beyond them, the Gers are a bit short. The club let go of Kyle Lafferty this summer who was a backup striker for most parts last campaign. Therefore there is a case for Rangers to bring in a third centre forward, but Darcy is likely going to be an option for the future.
Should Gerrard make a move for him?
Given that he is already in the final year of his deal, Rangers can sign him on a free transfer next summer. Even in January, he would be available for a paltry sum so Darcy will be a no-risk signing. With clubs like Leicester City also interested, that is a testament to the talent of the youngster, and we think that Rangers should definitely look to make a move for the forward.
