Todd Cantwell's path to becoming a Rangers player has cleared as a move by Blackburn Rovers is deemed a non-starter.
The Norwich City playmaker was namechecked by Michael Beale after Sunday's 2-0 Premiership win for the Light Blues over Dundee United and he could become his first signing since becoming Ibrox manager. Tom Davies was another mentioned by the Londoner but it's Cantwell who has been discussed more in the days following his revelation at Tannadice.
It was claimed this week that Norwich's Championship rivals Blackburn had lodged a £1.5 million bid to rival and that it had been turned down by the Canaries. But the Lancashire Telegraph state that such claims are 'wide of the mark' for a player that has six months left to run on his current contract. It is instead an 'expectation' that Rangers will move in to snap up the 24-year-old during this January window.
Cantwell was linked to Blackburn in the summer through a connection with Ewood Park director of football, Gregg Broughton. He previously worked as Norwich’s Academy manager between 2014 and 2017 as the Govan target was progressing through the Carrow Road ranks.
Clubs outside of England can speak with the Norwich star about a pre-contract that would take effect from the summer onwards. That route is open to Rangers but 'a permanent move is thought to be the most likely.'
So far this season, the winger who can also play centrally has made 19 appearances although he's yet to register a goal or an assist. He also hasn't played since before the World Cup break.