Glasgow Rangers defender David Bates is out of contract at Ibrox at the end of the season.
Bates’ current deal with the Gers expires at the end of the season, according to The Scottish Sun, and many Rangers fans would have been forgiven for assuming that his future would have been resolved by now.
The 21-year-old has featured regularly since Graeme Murty took charge of the first-team for a second time, and has arguably been the best performer out of the three centre-backs that he has predominantly used in this latest spell, with Bruno Alves and Russell Martin both being put somewhat to shame by the youngster.
It would have surprised few people therefore, when The Scottish Sun reported at the start of the January transfer window that he was set to be offered a new contract after shining in the Old Firm draw with Celtic having been brought on as an early substitute for Alves.
However, more than two months later, nothing appears to have been agreed. And The Scottish Sun are now suggesting that talks between the player and club have stalled – which perhaps hints that a summer exit could be on the cards.
Could Rangers afford to let Bates go?
Bates has not been flawless in his performances since coming into the side, but has arguably shown the signs of a player who has developed significantly since he was signed on loan from Raith Rovers with no guarantee of earning a permanent move to Ibrox.
And while Ross McCrorie looks destined to be by far Rangers’ best defender when he returns to full fitness, Bates may well end up not that far behind.
And with Martin only on loan, Alves reaching the twilight of his career and Fabio Cardoso needing to step up considerably if he is going to prove himself, it is difficult to understand why Rangers would be willing to let Bates go – assuming that it is not the player who is holding up talks, which may not be the case at all, of course.
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