Ex-scout: Rangers well-positioned to sign PL defender who impressed them after close watch

Luca Stephenson is set to be the subject of intense interest from Rangers as they prepare to accelerate their plans to sign the Liverpool loanee.

This comes in the wake of Rangers’ 4-2 win against Dundee United at Ibrox, where Stephenson starred and picked up an assist despite being on the losing side.

The 22-year-old’s performances so far this season have attracted high-profile interest and the Glasgow giants could now be prepared to step up their interest.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Rangers have been watching Stephenson closely after he impressed again at Ibrox.

He has proved himself as a top-class Scottish Premiership player, and while he remains highly-rated at Liverpool, Rangers believe they could complete a deal.

Could Rangers accelerate their move for Luca Stephenson?

Football Insider revealed on 27 March that Rangers and Celtic are interested in Stephenson and could enter the race for his signature this summer.

After two seasons on loan at Dundee United, the Old Firm clubs have been convinced by his Scottish Premiership performances and feel he is ready for a step up.

The deal will ultimately depend on Liverpool, with the Reds set to make a decision about his future upon his return from loan, but Rangers are ready to make a move.

“Rangers have to be clever about where they sign their players,” Brown told Football Insider.

“When there’s a young player who has been playing in the Scottish Premiership and playing at a top-class level, that won’t have gone unnoticed.

“They’ve been watching him all season, and they got to see him up close in the game against Dundee United, where by all accounts he was very impressive.

“So that will have done the chances of a move no harm.

“It’s always good to see how a player performs against the better sides rather than just an average level, so after that, they’ll be even more keen to do a deal.

“A lot will depend on Liverpool and how they see him because they’ve had their own issues at right-back, but if he’s available, Rangers are right there.”

What is Liverpool’s stance on selling Stephenson?

Any deal for Stephenson will depend on Liverpool’s stance over his future, with the Reds experiencing their own issues at right-back so far this season.

Football Insider revealed on 29 March that Stephenson will return to Liverpool at the end of the season and could be assessed during pre-season.

The right-back has spent two seasons at Tannadice developing his game, and could be tempted to remain in Scotland, but plans to try his luck as part of the Liverpool squad.

He remains highly regarded at Anfield, with high hopes for his future, and they are now prepaerd to assess where he fits into their long-term plans.

The right-back is also keen to impress Arne Slot upon his return, and any decision about his exit could be made closer to the end of pre-season.

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