Three players. All mid-20s and former England Under-21 internationals, currently being starved of first-team football and out of contract at the end of the season. As someone who is experienced in youth football, it’s no surprise Michael Beale has been linked with them. They tick so many boxes of what the Rangers manager is looking for in a player.
But will any of them arrive at Ibrox this month? Beale has ramped up the transfer excitement among the Rangers legions after admitting he has been making progress and meeting potential signings. He spoke of wanting “growers” and there is no doubt a trio of reported targets fit that bill.
Todd Cantwell’s name emerged over the weekend and Record Sport understands he is a name very much on the list of sporting director Ross Wilson and Beale. Tom Davies is another and they are added to Josh Onomah who was linked at the start of December as a possible Rangers signing, with QPR having been credited with an interest when Beale was in charge. But what is the current state of play with all three? How realistic is it that they will pitch up in Glasgow’s south side? Here, Record Sport looks at the midfield trio and their situation at their respective clubs.
Todd Cantwell
The 24-year-old appears to be the top target for Beale. David Wagner took charge of his first Norwich City match against Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup on Sunday and there was no place for the midfielder in the squad. The German confirmed he had no injury issues and that is a promising sign for Rangers. Cantwell came through the youth ranks at Carrow Road and has been part of the first-team set-up for five years. But he might feel now is the time for a change, particularly if he is going to be out of the first team picture. His contract is up at the end of the season so he is available to sign a pre-contract. The Eastern Daily Press report Norwich City are open to selling Cantwell in January if a suitable offer comes in. Cantwell has made 18 appearances this season but hasn’t produced the kind of sparkling form he has previously in Norfolk and a change might be required. Beale made no secret of his admiration for the player, saying after the win over Dundee United: “Todd was an excellent player when he was young and playing against my Liverpool Under 23s. I thought he would go on and have a fantastic career. He had that at the start and he is maybe just looking for a move to reingite it but I think he is a fantastic player at a good age.” And Canaries Rangers-daft team-mate Kenny McLean will no doubt be filling him on the club he grew up supporting.
Tom Davies
The midfielder has made just 10 appearances for Everton this season and isn’t first choice under Frank Lampard and that is despite the Chelsea legend’s side really struggling. So, unless there is a change of manager and that has been rumoured, then his Goodison Park future looks bleak. Another who came through the youth ranks at his current club - Beale cheekily said “he used to kick my Liverpool Under 23s team all around the place” - and has been around the first team for the past seven years without really cementing his place.
And Davies confessed in an interview with The Athletic recently: “I love the club and the city but ultimately I want to play games, whether that be at Everton or somewhere else. If I’m not going to get that here, it’s something I’m going to have to think about.” He’s another whose contract is up at the end of the season.
Josh Onomah
Former Tottenham man was on Beale’s radar when the Rangers boss was in charge of QPR at the start of the season. Beale wanted to take him on loan from west London rivals Fulham but he remained at Craven Cottage. However, he doesn’t appear to be part of Marco Silva’s plans after making just two appearances – both from the bench – this season. Another whose contract is up at the end of this season so could be a shrewd buy. Former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor said last month: “Maybe the Premier League hasn’t been kind to him but he could definitely do a job in the Championship or the Scottish Premiership at a club. He just needs a run of games, he just needs to go somewhere where he’s going to play. He’s not going to play at Fulham, there’s no point in him being there in the Premier League.
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