'He would certainly...': Rangers target given Ibrox warning as interest in 10-cap international ramps up
Rangers target would relish Ibrox move, says former EFL hitman
Northern Ireland international goalkeeper Pierce Charles has been urged to consider a “brilliant” move to Rangers this summer as several clubs circle for his signature - though the transfer would come with a warning.
Rangers have been credited with having a strong interest in the 20-year-old Sheffield Wednesday stopper after an impressive individual campaign for the youngster, with reports claiming that head coach Danny Rohl was keen on reuniting with a player he managed during his 18-month stint as manager at Hillsborough.
The Owls have endured a difficult campaign and were relegated to the third tier of English football as early as March after being deducted 18 points for financial mismanagement and regulatory breaches. It means player sales are inevitable this summer, and Charles is viewed as the club’s prized asset.
Despite the club’s tough season, Charles has been amongst the most impressive goalkeepers in the EFL Championship, and has already established himself as Northern Ireland’s number one, with his international boss Michael O’Neill praising his mature performance against Italy in the World Cup playoffs last month.
"He's 20 years old, and I thought he was magnificent," said O’Neill. "His decision-making, especially during key saves, was excellent. He doesn’t put pressure on his back three, which is rare at his age. He has a great temperament. There were strong performances all over the pitch, but Pierce stood out in particular."
Rangers' number one Jack Butland has been a virtual ever-present for the club this season, having managed to win back his place in the starting XI at the start of the season, while back-up option Liam Kelly is understood to be close to agreeing a new contract that will extend his time at the club. However, links to Charles have remained, while Celtic have also been credited with tentative interest with the Parkhead club looking to replace the out-of-contract Kasper Schmeichel.
Fresh reports this week have claimed that both Queens Park Rangers and newly promoted Cardiff City have also now added Charles to their list of targets for next season. Former Sunderland striker and EFL pundit Kevin Phillips believes he would relish a move to the Scottish Premiership with Rangers over staying in the English second tier, though it comes with one key caveat.
“It’s a big, big step up for him,” Phillips told BestBettingSites.co.uk. “Sheffield Wednesday, unfortunately, has conceded a lot of goals this season. He’s had to make a lot of saves, and he’s been very, very busy. And to jump from there to the Scottish Premiership, two massive football clubs. Listen, I think he’d be happy to go.
“He would certainly go there, and he wouldn’t get tested as much. He’s a very good goalkeeper. I think the player would only want to go somewhere knowing he’s going to play week in and week out, and they’re two big giants. So if he gets that opportunity, then brilliant for his career.”
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