Michael Beale has only been back at Ibrox for five days, although one Rangers wonderkid in Zak Lovelace is already impressing.
What’s the story?
Well, the above is according to journalist Fraser Fletcher, who believes the 16-year-old has made a fantastic first impression on the 42-year-old since he returned to Glasgow.
Lovelace – who Rangers paid Millwall just £100,000 for – has been in sensational form so far this season, scoring 11 goals while also providing eight assists in 26 appearances for the academy side.
According to the Daily Record, Beale included the teenager in first-team training after his return to Rangers was made official on Monday, so he has clearly heard good things about the London-born sensation.
Fletcher adds that Lovelace is likely to make his senior debut for Rangers soon, and people at Ibrox expected him to be involved in the first-team this season when signing him from Millwall, which speaks volumes given his lack of experience.
The English wonderkid’s chances of making his debut are boosted by the fact he is a versatile figure.
So far this season, Lovelace has played on both the left and right flanks, as well as in the centre of the attack – as shown by Transfermarkt.
Interestingly, his output does not seem to be affected regardless of where he operates across the frontline.
Rangers have another Bassey in Lovelace
Rangers spent just £230,000 to pluck Calvin Bassey from Leicester, in a very similar deal to the £100,000 move for Lovelace.
The Bears eventually sold the Nigeria international to Ajax in a £19m deal, representing an incredible return on their initial investment.
On the basis of his stunning start to life in Glasgow, Lovelace could end up being a similarly fruitful deal for Rangers.
Of course, the ultimate aim should be to keep him at Ibrox if he does well, but if Rangers are met with a bid of £20m or more in future, it would be remarkable business given how little they spent on his signature.
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