Rangers are the favourites to sign John Lundstram on a free transfer this summer after holding talks with the former Sheffield United midfielder, according to The Scottish Sun.
Lundstram departed Bramall Lane at the expiration of his contract last month and is now considering his available options. The Liverpool-born anchor is keen to take his time deciding which club to join, with significant interest from the Championship.
But Rangers are hopeful the club will be able to finalise a deal after holding talks with the Everton product. Steven Gerrard is keen to strengthen his engine room options among his summer aims to defend the Gers’ Premiership title.
Rangers had also targeted a deal for Lundstram, who left Sheffield United after four seasons, in January, per The Athletic. But a deal for the former England youth international would have cost £4m and seen competition from Premier League sides for his signature.
Gerrard may yet still face top-flight English challengers, though. The Sun claimed in April that Burnley chiefs admire Lundstram, while Chronicle Live note interest from Newcastle. The Sun also claimed the midfielder was hopeful of a move to Crystal Palace in January.
Lundstram will now have his choice of destination as a free agent, and can set his demands to Rangers or any rival bidder. That could be as much as £40,000-per-week, which The Athletic feel he believes is realistic given his age and suitors.
Rangers can sign a ‘menace’ in Lundstram
Gerrard can sign a menace by ensuring Rangers finalise a deal to bring Lundstram to Ibrox on a free transfer. The 27-year-old was highly lauded by the leading figures at Sheffield United during his time in South Yorkshire, including Blades hero Billy Sharp.
“He gives us a lot of energy,” Sharp said, via The Star, last year. “He’s got all the attributes. He runs so much in a game; he provides assists and goals. He’s a real menace to other teams and a great player to have.”
Rangers could be thwarted by Lundstram’s expected demands of a £40k-p/w contract, though. It would make the midfielder the top-earner at Ibrox, per Salary Sport. And comes after he started 23 of 28 Premier League games last season, registering just two assists.
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