Rangers are ready to sanction a loan transfer for Dundee United, Kilmarnock and Tranmere Rovers target Stephen Kelly to secure the midfielder much needed game time this season.
That’s according to Football Scotland, who report the Ibrox outfit are determined to seal a temporary deal for the 21-year-old. Gers chiefs believe Kelly must leave this month having failed to break into Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s plans in Glasgow.
Rangers consider Kelly a top prospect, but needs matches to hone his trade and will not get enough at Ibrox. He has only featured twice so far this season across all competitions, and both outings also came under Steven Gerrard.
Kelly’s appearances also came in August against Alashkert in a Europa League qualifier and Dunfermline in the League Cup. He has not featured in a single Premiership squad so far.
Van Bronckhorst and the Rangers hierarchy now agree Kelly must leave Rangers on loan in the January transfer window. They deem a temporary move to a lesser level the best way for the Scotland U21 international to noticeably improve.
Kelly attracting loan interest with Rangers set to sanction transfer
Rangers are all set to grant a loan transfer for Kelly, with Kilmarnock and Tranmere Rovers interested. A move to either for the rest of the term should return the minutes he needs.
Tranmere have already signed Josh McPake on loan from Rangers, but Micky Mellon could face competition from his former side. That’s because The Scottish Sun also note Tranmere and Kilmarnock’s interest, but add Dundee United to the mix, as well.
New Killie boss, Derek McInnes, is also driving the Rugby Park side’s pursuit of Kelly. He hopes the midfielder can aid their Championship title push after a strong start this season.
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