Billy Gilmour is one of the brightest prospects coming through at Glasgow Rangers currently, and Murty has urged him to stay at Ibrox.
Rangers coach Graeme Murty
Graeme Murty has told Rangers starlet Billy Gilmour that he stands a much greater chance of realising his potential if he decides to stay at Ibrox and ignore the interest from the Premier League, the Evening Times reports.
The Evening Times reports that Chelsea are leading the way for the 15-year-old’s signature and have actually already agreed a financial deal with the Gers to sign the prospect.
However, under-20s coach Murty – who previously spoke about considering handing him his first-team debut during his time in interim charge (via club’s official website) – has confirmed that he has urged the youngster to stay put.
“Billy knows my thoughts and we have an open and ongoing dialogue. He knows my thoughts on the pathway to being a top player,” he said, as reported by the Evening Times.
“I think there is a world of difference between pushing to play in the Rangers first-team compared to playing in a youth team elsewhere.
“The opportunities and speed of progression would be far greater here than anywhere else. But he has to weigh up his options and make the choice that is right for him.
“We will respect his decision but he knows we want him to stay. It’s a call he has to make for his own career.”
Rangers manager Pedro Caixinha
With the Gers still battling to try and secure second in the Scottish Premiership and having a Scottish Cup semi-final on the horizon, it seems unlikely that Pedro Caixinha will hand him his first-team debut this season unless they hold a comfortable lead in the latter stages of a game.
But if Caixinha can convince Gilmour that staying at Ibrox beyond this summer will see him feature more often next season, then perhaps he will listen to Murty’s advice and decide that leaving the Gers is not the best decision for his career.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
