Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom says his side couldn't compete with what Rangers offered for Tom Lawrence.
The Welsh international has joined the Ibrox club after time at Derby County. They beat the Blades to his services and former Hibs boss Heckingbottom says finances played a huge part. United were confident of landing versatile Lawrence but when Rangers came in with their offer, it couldn't be matched. A chance to play European football - initially in the Champions League qualifiers - was also a factor.
Heckingbottom said: “A team who got to the Europa Cup final last year, things like that, it's going to be a big pull. Obviously, big pay is a big pull, different football, it's one of those things. You can't get them all. Would I have liked him, yeah, but we didn't manage to get him. If Rangers hadn't have come in and blown everyone out of the water I would have backed us to get him."
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READ MORE: Rangers joined by Borussia Dortmund and Roma in transfer battle as they eye £10 million talent
It's reported by Yorkshire Live that Sheffield United 'began making provisions to welcome him (Lawrence) on to their pre-season tour to Portugal.'
He is their third summer signing after John Souttar and Antonio Colak, with Welsh international teammate Rabbi Matondo reportedly edging towards Ibrox.
Rangers are next in action against Blackpool for their latest pre-season friendly on Saturday.
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