Malik Tillman is adamant he will not rush the massive decision over a £5 million move to Rangers but admits it's hanging in the balance.
The American star has until next month to make a call on his future and has insisted he will take that time to decide. Tillman has revealed more talks will take place in the coming days with Ibrox boss Michael Beale and the hierarchy at his parent club Bayern Munich.
The 20-year-old won PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year for his excellent exploits during this season’s Ibrox loan spell which was cut short by a hamstring injury. Beale has indicated he would be keen to turn the move into a permanent arrangement and sent public congratulations to the kid after he picked up his individual accolade.
Tillman is giving careful consideration to his next step and is refusing to rule out anything as he makes sure he chooses the correct path in his development. He said: “I’ve spoken to Michael Beale already and he said, ‘Just take your time. It’s your decision’. That’s what I’m going to do.
“The option is until the beginning of June or something so I still have three or four weeks to decide. I’m going to take my time because obviously it’s a big decision for me.
“It is still everything open. I am going to talk to Michael Beale in the coming days and see what he is saying and what the club is saying. Then I am going to speak to Bayern again and see what is their plan for me. And then I am going to decide.”
Tillman built a strong bond with Beale since his appointment six months ago and continued: “We had a great relationship since the first day. He is completely honest with me every day and, especially for a young player, it is important the manager speaks to you and that is what he did.
“That’s what helped me a lot. I really like him and I think he likes me as well. That is at least a good thing where I could imagine myself. It’s always nice to talk to him. As I said, for a young player, it’s important to speak to the manager and know what he wants you to do. That’s what he tried to explain to me every single day, in every training session and every game, so I know what he expects from me.”
Tillman tasted Champions League action with Rangers this term and the opportunity to return to Europe’s biggest is another strong lure which the Ibrox club has to offer.
He said: “It’s always nice to play in Europe. That’s what you dream of and what you want to do. It’s where you improve the most, I would say, because you learn from the best players in the world. It’s a good point that Rangers have, that they’re guaranteed European football next season. But I haven’t decided anything yet.”
Tillman says Bayern have been pleased with his work in Glasgow. Asked about their feedback, he said: “At the beginning of the season, their direct contact with me was more than it is now, but my agent spoke to them a lot and they watch many games. They see what I have improved and they are quite happy.”
The playmaker, meanwhile, is confident he will be ready to take part during pre-season as he works through his rehabilitation having suffered his injury during the Scottish Cup semi-final defeat to Celtic last month.
Tillman said: “Bayern told me the injury was 10 to 12 weeks. It’s going to be mid-July, so I can make the end pre-season with the team. That’s what I’m going to work for.”
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