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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Aidan Smith

Inside Michael Beale's 8 Rangers contract discussions ahead of summer transfers

Michael Beale is set to sit down with eight Rangers players over the international break to discuss their futures at the club.

The summer is set to see a revamp in players at Ibrox as Beale aims to put his own stamp on the current Govan squad.

Speaking ahead of the international break, Beale explained: "We will give the players a few days now to relax with their families.

"One or two will go away with their international teams but it will give us time to have one or two conversations in-house and hopefully move forward on a few things."

Here we take a look at the eight out-of-contract players and where they stand heading into the summer...

Alfredo Morelos

The Colombian striker looks set to depart Glasgow in the summer after over six years with Rangers. Speculation always surrounds Morelos during transfer windows, but Beale’s recent comments point to the end of the road.

He said recently: "We're committed to each other until the end of the season and there are discussions going on between that.

“Since I've come in Alfredo has trained and played very well, there are certainly no issues between me and him. We're on the same page and we'll just keep working until the summer. I think everything at the moment is open for discussion."

Ryan Kent

Michael Beale has hinted that he is keen to keep Ryan Kent in his squad if possible beyond the summer. The former Liverpool winger is yet to pledge his future to the club, but Beale has revealed that contract discussions will take place this week.

He explained: “We’ve had discussions around it and we’ve both parked everything until we’ve found a moment.

“The next moment will be in the next international break when we’ll sit and have another chat.

“We’re both cool, we’re both on the same page and I think it’s right after the amount of years he’s been here and the changes with his third manager here as well that he takes time to consider his options.

“It’s the same that we do as well. We’ve not put anything in front of him, we’ve just had conversations, at this moment in time that’s the best place to be.

“I’m still building the squad that I want for next year and if he’s in it’s because he desperately wants to be here.

“If he’s out it’s because he doesn’t so it’s quite clear in that sense. Our relationship will always remain the same. It’s a young boy that I saw at the start of his journey so I’m quite proud with what he’s achieved so far in his career.”

Ryan Jack

The Scotland international is another whom Beale has been vocal about keeping. Since injury Ryan Jack has proven just how important a figure he is in the Rangers midfield.

Updating on his situation, Beale said: “A fit Ryan Jack is an excellent player and he was fantastic in midweek.

"I have to manage him at times to make sure he’s available and fit. He doesn’t like that.

“He wants to play every week and sets the standard for us. Ryan is certainly a player I want to work with moving forward.”

Allan McGregor

The end of this season could well spell the end for Allan McGregor at Rangers. The 41-year-old penned a one-year deal last term and it looks unlikely that he will be offered the same this time around.

Speaking recently about the goalkeeper, Beale said: “My relationship with Allan is superb. We’re the same age so we can share our life experiences together!

“Seriously, it’s great, as it was when I was here before.

“There’s a lot been said and written about Allan, but he’s the No 1 here, I’ve made that clear.

“As with any player, though, I have to look at changing it to get more out of someone later on.

“I haven’t discussed what will happen yet with Allan. I don’t feel there’s a rush to do that.

“There are players out of contract here, and a lot of things are up in the air.

“Last year was similar — the club left it to Allan to decide how his body felt.

“That will be the right thing again at the end of this season.”

Filip Helander

It’s coming up on a full calendar year since the Swede last played a competitive game for Rangers. He sustained a major foot injury during a 4-0 win over St Mirren in April 2022 and has not taken to the field since.

He’s still not back in first-team training for Beale’s side. With his deal up this summer and an unfortunate injury record, aged 29, it seems reasonable to expect a parting of ways.

In January, Beale said: “He’s probably two or three months away.

"Listen, if the Fil Helander I know can get himself back then he’s a big asset to Rangers. He’s had two horrible years of injuries, I’ve not been in the building when he’s had them but at 29 I don’t think Fil Helander is done.

"In terms of his contract, at this moment in time there have been no discussions with Fil purely because of the length of time he’s been out.”

Scott Arfield

"I'd love to stay here for as long as possible. Whether that be in any capacity. I've thoroughly enjoyed my time here since I walked through the door and I want to keep those moments going."

The former Canada international has made it crystal clear that he’d like to stay put at Ibrox for at least another season. He penned a contract extension for this campaign, but with his minutes more limited this term, there are definite question marks over his Rangers future.

The 34-year-old is undoubtedly a useful player to use as an impact sub. Fans could never question his desire or passion to play for the badge either.

However, with Raskin & Cantwell in the building ahead of next term, his game time could be reduced even further in the long run.

The club will likely offer him reduced terms and no guarantees of regular game time.

If he’s content with that, he’ll stay. If he feels like he wants to make the most out of every minute he has left in football, he’ll surely leave.

Steven Davis

The Northern Ireland international is a player no Rangers fan will want to see leave. With 360 appearances for the club to his name, the midfielder is a true modern-day great.

He’s been out injured since December, a short while after the World Cup break. It was an early blow for Beale in his tenure. He won’t feature again this term, so a lot could depend on his recovery work and how he’s feeling.

With a full pre-season under his belt, it’s entirely plausible that Davis could remain at Rangers for one more year. His experience and leadership skills will continue to prove invaluable.

Beale said in February: “He’s back in the training ground. “He’s had the op and he’s in and around the lads. I saw that glint in his eye. Michael O’Neil has gone back to be the national coach and I know he has a fantastic relationship with him.

"Steven Davis will have a magnitude of options. He was going to be a key player for us between now and the end of the season and we have missed him.”

Kieran Wright

The 22-year-old goalkeeper has yet to make a senior appearance for the Ibrox club. Coming through the youth ranks at the Rangers Training Centre, the shot-stopper has mainly featured for the B team or out on loan in the Scottish lower leagues.

He’s played for a variety of clubs, gaining experience at several levels with; Dumbarton, Alloa, Partick Thistle, Raith Rovers, and Albion Rovers.

With regards to his future, a lot could depend on the situation with Allan McGregor and then Robby McCrorie as a result.

Beale has made it no secret that the goalkeeping department is an area he’s looking to bolster.

If we were to hazard a guess, it seems unlikely Wright will be kept around beyond this campaign.

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