Glasgow Rangers continue to be linked with the winger so why not just give Hearts what they want to avoid missing out?
After the Scotsman reported that Rangers had failed with two bids for Hearts winger Jamie Walker, it was suggested that an offer closer to the latter’s £1million valuation would be arriving last week. But as things stand the Gers seem no closer to securing a deal for their ideal summer signing.
Bids of £500,000 and £600,000 were quickly rebuffed, and given that the player has only one year remaining on his contract, Rangers cannot be blamed for trying to knock a few hundred thousand off his asking price, with Hearts knowing they risk losing him for nothing if they wait too long to complete a deal.
That said, Rangers are playing a risky game, with the 24-year-old an ideal addition for Pedro Caixinha’s squad, and they should not risk Hearts’ ire by tip-toeing closer and closer to his valuation when other clubs will surely be planning a swoop of their own.
Walker scored 15 goals and set up seven more last season and he is the right age to fit seamlessly into the Gers’ starting line-up next season.
He also possesses the innate talent and creative ability to go down a storm at Ibrox. However English Championship sides will no doubt be casting admiring glances and while Rangers will know their pull is considerable, there is a chance they could miss out on Walker if they wait too long to give Hearts at least close to what they want.
With no reported offer arriving last week, one wonders if Caixinha is playing hard ball or simply turning his attention elsewhere.
It is likely to be the former, yet Rangers cannot afford to let this particular target slip through their fingers.
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