Rangers have been linked with a bizarre move to re-sign defender David Bates, but Hearts have now lodged an enquiry for him.
That’s according to The Edinburgh Evening News, who claim that Hearts are keen to get a new centre back in before the transfer deadline.
Bristol City’s Taylor Moore is one option, but it’s noted that a move has been made for Hamburg misfit Bates.
Hamburg don’t want to loan him out and would prefer a permanent deal, with Bates now in the last year of his deal with the German club.
The 24-year-old made the bold move to leave Rangers for Hamburg in 2018, but managed just 28 appearances for the club.
Now unwanted in Germany after loan spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Cercle Brugge, Bates could return to Scotland with Hearts.
The bizarre thing is that Bates has actually been linked with a move back to Rangers.
Homme du Match in France claimed that Brentford were keen on Bates, but they were facing competition with Rangers.
The Gers took Bates from Raith Rovers in 2016, spending two years with the club before moving after 28 games in the famous blue shirt.
Why on earth would Rangers want Bates back? He hasn’t kicked on at all since leaving Ibrox, and Rangers aren’t exactly short of centre back options.
Connor Goldson, Filip Helander, Leon Balogun, Jack Simpson and Nikola Katic are all at Steven Gerrard’s disposal, and all well ahead of Bates in terms of quality right now.
A move to Hearts seems to make more sense, with a return to Glasgow before Tuesday’s deadline surely out of the question.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
