Rangers transfer target slammed after 'refusing to play' in key game

Rangers are reportedly looking to bring in more players before the end of the January transfer window.

Clubs in the Scottish top-flight have until February 3 to complete deals, with Rangers already wrapping up one move, after Portuguese defender Rafael Fernandes joined on loan from Lille.

Rangers have the option to make that move permanent in the summer and Philippe Clement is also looking at attacking options including Plymouth Argyle winger Morgan Whittaker.

MORE: All the latest EPL club news | Team-by-team Premier League schedule for 2024/25 | Latest Premier League top scorer rankings

Whittaker finished fourth in the EFL Championship top scorer rankings last season, with 19 league goals, and despite a low-key first-half to the current campaign, Rangers remain interested.

The England U20 international is under contract at Home Park until 2027, but he is agitating for a move, with Plymouth valuing him at around £10m ($12.3m).

What a moment for @Argyle as Morgan Whittaker fires them into the #EmiratesFACup fourth round 😍 pic.twitter.com/TceVkPnIXO

Rangers are yet to table a formal offer, as Plymouth boss Miron Muslic claimed the 24-year-old 'refused to play' in their 5-0 league defeat to Burnley, which keeps the club rooted to the bottom of the table.

"We need players who want to play for Argyle that we can always count on, players ready to give everything. I know he's a target and linked with transfers I think from summer onwards, so let's see," he said after the game.

"He was available [against Burnley] but he was not there. Morgan is an Argyle player under contract here, as long as nobody is paying the money we as an organisation demand, and paying his value.

“He has responsibilities and obligations to Argyle. Like I said, that's one of the reasons Argyle is struggling in the last months. Morgan didn't show up. We had a game, he was in the squad, and he's not there, that's everything I have to say on Morgan."

Muslic's comments indicate Argyle will not budge until their asking price is met, despite Whittaker's strike, and Rangers could make a determined move in the coming days.