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Report: Rangers could sell contract rebel Barrie McKay with Pedro Caixinha unconvinced

Rangers manager Pedro Caixinha looks dejected (Reuters)
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Barrie McKay has struggled badly since Pedro Caixinha took over at Ibrox, and with his contract expiring next summer a decision could be made soon.

Rangers' Barrie McKay

If Pedro Caixinha was not fully aware of the size of the task facing him at Ibrox, his first month in the Rangers hot seat should have left him in no doubt.

And, on top of the unenviable task of finding a way to claw back the gap between themselves and dominant Old Firm rivals Celtic, the Portuguese boss may also have to contend with doubts around the future of one of his most important players.

The Daily Mail reported last month that 22-year-old winger Barrie McKay, one of the most highly-rated players at the club, turned down a two-year extension at Ibrox despite being offered a considerable pay rise.

McKay has just a year remaining on his current deal, meaning he would be available for free next summer and could even sign a pre-contract agreement in January. Therefore, the Daily Mail adds that Rangers will make another attempt to tie him down in the summer but are facing up to the prospect of losing one of their most valuable assets for nothing.

That could prove particularly damaging to the cash-strapped club, especially with the Daily Record reporting that Bundesliga high-flyers RB Leipzig, whose transfer strategy revolves around identifying and signing under-the-radar young talents, are willing to pay £6million for McKay this summer.

Celtic's Jozo Simunovic in action with Rangers' Barrie McKay

Therefore, the Daily Record adds that Rangers could be willing to part with McKay at the end of the season to ensure they at least have the silver lining of a substantial cash windfall.

Letting the youngster leave was barely worth thinking about earlier in the season, with the one-time Scotland international arguably the club’s most dangerous attacking player in most of their games under previous manager Mark Warburton.

However, McKay’s form has nosedived under Caixinha, so earning £6 million from his sale would suddenly look like far better business.

Rangers manager Pedro Caixinha looks dejected