According to recent reports, Glasgow Rangers could pull out of the race to sign young centre-forward, Kyle Joseph, with Rangers having previously been keen to offer the teenager a pre-contract deal.

The report by Football Insider claims that Gers sources have revealed Steven Gerrard may back down from his pursuit of the Wigan Athletic forward, with both Celtic and Newcastle United remaining keen on a move for the 19-year-old.

Having made his debut for Wigan back in October, Joseph went on to score five goals and register one assist over his first 14 League One appearances, before suffering a back injury in January that has kept the striker sidelined in the time since.

It is claimed that a deal for the Scotland U19 international would have cost Rangers just £300,000 in compensation, with the forward’s deal at Wigan expiring this summer, however, with Celtic now having reportedly offered Joseph a contract, Rangers appear to be backing away from a move of their own.

Transfer Tavern Take

With Football Insider not specifying exactly why Gerrard’s side are no longer attempting to land the 19-year-old this summer, the news does come as something of a surprise.

Perhaps it was the case that Gers were informed Ibrox may not be Joseph’s preferred destination, as this would appear to be one of the only reasons why the club would be allowing their rivals a clear run at the striker.

This is purely speculation, and an answer will only be discovered as and when the Wigan starlet does make his eventual move this summer, but Gerrard does not seem like the type of boss who would want a player who doesn’t absolutely love the idea of being a nIbrox hero.

In other news: Sources lift lid on ‘strong interest’ in Gerrard; chief executive has link with the Gers boss – find out more here!