Rangers are facing stiff competition to land Aston Villa striker Cameron Archer - and paths have been cleared for him at two English Championship clubs.
But Villa legend Gabby Agbonlahor has warned Steven Gerrard to think carefully over the youngster's future before greenlighting any move.
20-year-old Archer is the latest gem to come out of Villa's prolific academy and reports south of the border claim Rangers are among FOURTEEN teams keen to take him next season.
Any deal seems likely to be a loan for the England U21 cap, who is contracted at Villa until 2025 and made his first-team debut earlier in the season before joining Preston on loan.
He scored seven goals in 20 appearances for the Championship side and their owner Peter Risdale has already confirmed they have approached Villa about taking him back - and are keeping a space in the squad clear for him.
But the Birmingham Mail claim relegated Watford are also in the hunt.
They're set to sell hitman Cucho Hernandez to Colombus Crew, while Emmanuel Dennis is in the cross hairs of Everton, so their interest in Archer could soon be formalised in the days ahead as they hunt down a replacement.
Former Rangers boss Gerrard, though, is likely to take a look at Archer in pre-season before making any decision. The youngster could be used as competition to Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins should he impress, and Villa legend Agbonlahor reckons he'd be wise to keep him around - at least for the time being.
Speaking to Football Insider, he said: "I think he has a role (at Aston Villa). He’s showing sharp form, he’s broken his way into the first team.
“Gerrard will want to keep him around but if he goes and gets another striker then he might let him go on loan again.
“At his age, 20, he needs to be playing football. Not coming on for 10 minutes here and there and playing in the Carabao Cup. He needs to be starting.
“I’m sure he’ll try and impress in pre-season as much as he can and see if the manager wants to keep him around or send him out on loan.
“I’d keep him around, he’s a talented striker with very good movement and he gets in good positions. I don’t think they will let him go until they are ready.”
