The Rangers manager, Steven Gerrard, was said to be leading the race for the young Bolton Wanderers midfielder.
Bolton Wanderers are said to have extended Luca Connell’s scholarship contract to ensure the Tottenham Hostpur, Leeds United and Glasgow Rangers target does not leave them for as little as possible this summer.
Tottenham and Leeds are among the many high-profile clubs credited with an interest in Connell, although The Daily Mail reported last weekend that it is Rangers who lead the race for his signature.
It was claimed that the newly called-up Republic of Ireland international would have been available to English sides for around £300,000 in training compensation at the end of his previous deal – and even less to outsiders like Glasgow Rangers, for whom different rules apply.
But according to The Bolton News, the Trotters have now moved to strengthen their position by tying down Connell for a further 12 months.
As such, any interested parties must now negotiate a new price with Bolton – although the relegated club’s precarious financial situation may offer hope to the likes of Tottenham, Leeds and Rangers that a low-cost transfer can still be agreed.
How much would you pay to bring Connell to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium / Elland Road / Ibrox?
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