Stuart Findlay has confirmed parent club Newcastle will release him, should Rangers look to lure him to Ibrox?
Newcastle United defender Stuart Findlay has confirmed the Toon will not renew his contract despite his ongoing form for Scottish Premiership side Kilmarnock, which is likely to see speculation intensify for his signature.
The 22-year-old was quoted by the Scottish Sun as saying: “I’m out of contract with Newcastle at the end of the season. They called me down for a meeting and they told me I will leave.”
Findlay has impressed north of the border and been an integral member of Steve Clarke’s in-form side, helping Killie win eight of their last 10 league games including that 1-0 win over Celtic.
However, he is now available on a free and Rangers are likely to be on the lookout for a new centre-back ahead of the summer transfer window.
David Bates’ contract situation remains up in the air, with his current deal set to expire at the end of the season. Doubts remain over the future of Bruno Alves and Fabio Cardoso, while Russell Martin is only on loan at Ibrox.
A new centre-back is required, then. With Scottish Premiership experience and allowed to leave St. James’ Park for nothing, Findlay would be the perfect buy for Celtic – a player who began his career at Celtic but failed to make his debut.
Standing at a lofty 6ft 3in, Findlay oozes class at the back and offers versatility across the back four. He has appeared on either side of the Killie defence this season, as well as his preferred role of centre-back.
With finances tight at Ibrox, landing a player such as Findlay on a free would prove to be a major coup by the Gers with a centre-back likely to become a problem area in the summer transfer window.
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