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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Mark Pirie

Todd Cantwell and the Rangers transfer ticking clock as Michael Beale pointed to rapid Celtic template

Bullish Mark Wilson reckons Rangers boss Michael Beale will have to ramp up his January signings and a move for Todd Cantwell if they are to catch Celtic.

The 24-year-old, who is out of contract with Norwich City in the summer, looks to be a top target for for Beale this month and was left out of David Wagner's first game in charge of the side, despite not having any injury issues for the FA Cup clash with Blackburn. Cantwell came through the youth ranks at Carrow Road and has been part of the first-team set-up for five years, but has struggled to make an impact on the English Championship this term, having mainly featured as a substitute.

Now Beale will look to tempt Cantwell into a move to the Scottish Premiership to kick-start his career at Ibrox, but Wilson reckons it could be too little too late for Rangers title aspirations. League leaders Celtic have already added three new faces, with deals for Yuki Kobayashi, Alistair Johnston and Tomoki Iwata all going through on January 1.

Todd Cantwell of Norwich City has been tipped for a move to Rangers (Visionhaus/Getty Images)

Wilson insists that early business means Beale will have to "get a move on" with his winter recruitment drive. Asked about the addition of Cantwell on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, Wilson said: "I think Rangers certainly do need someone in that position.

"I think that is where they struggle. I know Hagi is coming back from injury, and Tom Lawrence as well.

"Tillman looks better now, but I don't think you can have enough of these guys who unpick defences. Rangers relied too heavily on Ryan Kent for a good couple of years now, and when he was gone off the boil I think they all look at each other and think 'who is going to take this responsibility?'

"He might just be the one. I think Rangers fans would have wanted something done by now, though.

"I know Michael Beale has come out and said they are having conversations, and these things do take time. But you do have to look over the city and look at Ange Postecoglou.

"They got their ducks in a row right away and come the first of January there are players already in the door, part of the squad and integrated. So, you think Rangers should get a bit of a move on."

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