Rangers manager Mark Warburton has dropped the biggest hint that he is planning a summer move for Livingston starlet Matthew Knox.
Warburton was impressed by the 16-year-old’s full debut for the Lions on Tuesday as the midfielder helped David Hopkin’s side beat the Championship title winners 1-0.
Knox trained with the Ibrox outfit last month and at the time Warburton described him as ‘technically gifted’.
The teenager, who has also made six substitute appearances for the Lions and became the youngster player to make a competitive appearance for the West Lothian side, has also been on trial at Manchester United, Liverpool, Everton, Tottenham and Chelsea.
But Warburton is hoping he can convince Knox that Rangers would be the best move for his fledgling career.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Warburton said: “Matthew is a talented young player, there’s talks going on – obviously.
“He is a young talented player and as a club we have to make sure we get the best young talents and bring them in.
“We have to look to get the best possible player available throughout the age groups.”
Livingston manager Hopkin, however, admits he is hoping to keep Knox at the Lions for another two years – despite interest from a host of top clubs.
Hopkin, whose side will bid to preserve their Championship status through the play-offs, is hoping to convince the Lions hierarchy not to cash in now.
He said: “I am fighting tooth and nail with the board, and I think they are going to back me, to keep him.
“He is a phenomenal talent and there is a lot of clubs interested in him.
“I want to keep him for an extra year or two years and develop him myself because I think he is going to be something special.
“He has only turned 16 and he came out and put in a performance like that against the top team in the Championship and probably one of the top teams in Scotland.
“He didn’t look out of place and it is great credit to the kid.”
