Ibrox boss Michael Beale ‘definitely’ wants Rangers to sign ‘fantastic’ £6m talent

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Rangers boss Michael Beale has praised Malik Tillman whilst indicating that he would absolutely love to sign him permanently in 2023.

The Gers faced Bayer Leverkusen at Ibrox on Saturday afternoon with new manager Beale ramping up his preparations.

Rangers return to league action against Hibernian on Thursday and prepared for that magnificently with a thumping win.

Leverkusen named a strong side but fell apart as Rangers coasted to a 3-0 win.

Tillman opened the scoring before heading home his second in style with Scott Arfield adding a third.

Rangers boss Michael Beale praises Malik Tillman

Tillman stole the show with his first-half double.

The American was deployed as an attacking midfielder by Beale and justified that decision.

Tillman’s two goals came from inside the penalty area, showing the ability to get into the box and find the net.

That’s what Rangers need from Tillman, a player who has so much ability and potential but has yet to put it all together for the Gers.

Tillman has shown flashes of quality, such as his solo goal against Motherwell earlier this season, but he needs to do more.

Three goals and two assists in 13 league games isn’t terrible but Rangers are expecting more from a player who was hyped up upon his arrival.

Rangers have an option to make Tillman’s loan move from Bayern Munich permanent in a deal worth around €7million (£6million).

At the moment, Rangers fans would probably say to avoid that kind of deal.

New manager Beale seems very keen though and offered indications that he will push for Tillman’s signature in 2023.

Beale has told BBC Sport that it’s ‘pretty obvious’ that he likes Tillman, calling him a ‘fantastic talent’.

Beale noted that he wasn’t sure just how Rangers will afford a deal for Tillman but he ‘definitely’ wants to keep him for the long-term if possible.

“It’s a pretty obvious one. I really like Malik,” said Beale. “He is a fantastic talent. He wants to play slightly higher. We’re going to give him the freedom to run out of that midfield and get into the positions he was in today.”

“You can see what he could grow into to. He’s the exact type of player that we want at this football club. I don’t know the exact fee, I don’t know where we’re going to go and get it from, but if we can do it, I would definitely sign Malik Tillman, yes,” he added.