Can Rangers lure Phil Foden to Ibrox? Mark Allen should try his luck

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Rangers should be looking to launch an audacious 2020 move for Phil Foden.

Manchester City’s Phil Foden has been billed as English football’s next big thing, but there are fears that he could be on his way out of the Etihad Stadium in the near future.

Foden, 18, has been coming up through the City ranks but is struggling for first-team football, with Pep Guardiola also having the likes of David Silva, Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan at his disposal.

The teenager is a huge talent but needs first-team football; after all, he has seen former England Under-17 World Cup-winning teammate Jadon Sancho leave City, join Borussia Dortmund and get into the England senior squad whilst thriving in the Bundesliga.

Now, the Daily Mail report that Dortmund are now hoping to sign Foden for a development fee of just £175,000 when his City contract ends in 2020, with City now attempting to rush through talks over a new deal.

Dortmund may be a huge proposition, but Rangers must at least throw their hat into the ring, especially with former City academy chief Mark Allen now in charge of Rangers’ transfers as director of football.

Allen oversaw Foden’s early development and knows all about his ability, whilst the fee of £175,000 would also stand for Rangers as they count as an overseas club and can sign out of contract youngsters in bargain compensation deals.

Is it likely that Foden would sign for Rangers? No, probably not, especially if Dortmund are in the race. However, Foden will need playing time. Rangers can offer that, as well as playing in Europe and in front of packed houses every week. That shouldn’t be sniffed at by any player, especially one looking to get out and play first-team football.

With Allen’s links, and manager Steven Gerrard challenging Foden to take the next step in a Guardian interview last year, Rangers should at least try their luck and prepare an offer to Foden for 2020, rivalling Dortmund for the signature of such a talented player.