Rangers have reportedly tied up a permanent move for defender David Bates.
According to the Daily Record, Rangers have tied up a permanent deal for Raith Rovers centre back David Bates after a loan stay at Ibrox.
In early August, Rangers loaned midfielder Jordan Thompson out to Raith Rovers, and received defender Bates in return.
General view outside Ibrox
The 20-year-old centre back, who stands at 6ft 4in tall, had made just 15 appearances for Raith, but had seemingly done enough to trigger interest from Rangers.
Bates joined the Rangers development squad, and has yet to even make his competitive debut for the club, though he has been named on the bench by manager Mark Warburton.
Rangers manager Mark Warburton during the match
Whilst he hasn’t really been challenging first-team centre backs Danny Wilson, Rob Kiernan, Clint Hill and Philippe Senderos, Bates appears to have a bright future ahead of him – and Rangers have made sure that his future is at Ibrox.
The Daily Record report that Rangers have tied up a permanent move for Bates, handing the youngster an 18-month contract, meaning he’s tied to Rangers until the end of the 2017/18 season.
Rangers have had problems defensively under Warburton, and with both Hill and Senderos out of contract at the end of the season, Bates should have a chance to fight for a first-team place during pre-season.
For now, Bates will be continuing his development with the Rangers development squad, and Warburton will be hoping that the giant centre back can become a future first-team star at Ibrox.
Do you think Bates will become a first-team player for Rangers?
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