Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Pierce Charles has spoken publicly about his future as Rangers continue to weigh up their goalkeeping options ahead of next season.
The 20-year-old Northern Ireland international is entering the final 12 months of his contract with the Owls, making him an attractive prospect for the Glasgow giants this summer.
Rangers have already secured Liam Kelly on a new deal, but first-choice goalkeeper Jack Butland will see his current contract expire at the end of the 2026/27 campaign.
Charles worked under manager Danny Rohl at Hillsborough last season and remains one of Sheffield Wednesday’s most valued assets despite enduring an injury-disrupted campaign.
While on international duty, Charles was measured in his response when asked about a potential move, refusing to be drawn on speculation surrounding his future.
Charles told the Belfast Telegraph: “I’m not really focusing on that. After the ten days in camp working I’ll focus on resting and enjoying my summer.”
He added: “You never know what might happen. We’ll see what happens when it comes to it.”
Meanwhile, out-of-contract Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil has also emerged as a target for the Ibrox club this summer.
Neil was reportedly high on Rohl’s wish list during the January window but instead opted for a move to Ipswich Town in the English Championship.
Former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips has publicly backed the 24-year-old to make the step up should a move to Rangers materialise.
Phillips told Best Betting Sites: “I’ve seen enough of Dan to see that he would certainly be able to play in the Scottish Premiership for Rangers or Celtic.”
He continued: “He’s technically a very, very good player. He’s a box-to-box player, he’s got great energy and he likes to get on the ball as well, can score a goal.”
Phillips added: “So I think going to a club like that where, listen, they control most of the games every week, you know, possession, chances created, I think he would fit in no problem whatsoever.”
On the outgoings front, defender Clinton Nsiala appears set to return to Ibrox after his loan spell at Belgian side KVC Westerlo came to a quiet end.
Westerlo held an option to make the deal permanent after Nsiala joined in January, but that option was not taken up following just four appearances for the club.
Young defender Bailey Rice, who is out of contract, is also set to make a decision on his future following talks with the club amid his return to full fitness.
The 19-year-old missed significant time through injury last season but has been working closely with the club’s medical staff throughout his recovery ahead of pre-season.
His Marbella-based coach shared footage of Rice in training, with the caption reading: “After a season disrupted by injury, Bailey put the work in to finish the campaign fully fit.”
The post continued: “Working closely with the club’s head physio, we’ve made sure every box has been ticked throughout his return-to-play process.”
Rangers have already moved decisively in the transfer market this summer, having snapped up Lawrence Shankland from Hearts ahead of the new campaign.
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