The Rangers defender may have played his last game for Graeme Murty’s Ibrox outfit.
Rangers manager Graeme Murty as issued a strong message to David Bates as talks to keep the defender at Ibrox drag on.
Bates has impressed since being thrust into Murty’s first team plans late last year, but is out of contract at the end of the campaign and is said to have attracted interest from other clubs including Sunderland.
Having suffered ankle ligament damage during Rangers’ Old Firm defeat on Sunday – ruling him out for six weeks according to Murty – it is possible that Bates may have played his last game for the Gers.
Speaking at a press conference, which was broadcast via Rangers’ official Youtube channel on Friday, Murty reiterated his desire to see Bates to extend his stay at Ibrox – and reminded the 21-year-old of the opportunities which await there.
“Talks are ongoing all the time,” said the Rangers boss. “We’ve talked about his contractual status. We’ve talked about his desires and his career aims. We just have to keep on reinforcing the positives of being here. Those discussions are ongoing behind the scenes, when we have resolutions in them you guys will get to hear. But until that time, we like to keep our business in house.
“What I will say is, I think it’s reinforced this week, with Bruno [Alves], with Declan [John], with Jason [Cummings], with Russell [Martin], with Jamie Murphy all getting into international squads, that you can actually realise some of your aims, if not most of your aims, at this football club. And this football club, the scale of this football club should never be taken for granted – albeit there is money to be made, there are opportunities elsewhere, and I’ve no doubt people’s heads will be turned.
“But let’s not downplay the fact that you play for Rangers, the scale of this club should not be underestimated by anyone because it’s a fantastic stage for you to go and show your ability – which David has done. But he should never forget that this place here is something special.”
Bates moved to Rangers from Raith Rovers on an initial loan deal at the start of the 2016-17 season, and completed a permanent transfer the following January.
The Kirkcaldy native has made 25 Gers appearances to date.
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