Rangers continue strategy of signing emerging talent by bringing in Zak Lovelace

Rangers have continued their strategy of signing emerging talent by securing a deal for Zak Lovelace, the second-youngest player to represent Millwall.

The 16-year-old made four first-team appearances for the Sky Bet Championship side last season and has moved on under freedom of contract.

He made his debut in December last year while still aged 15, becoming the youngest Millwall player since Moses Ashikodi, who later had a brief spell with Rangers.

The move was announced just after Rangers confirmed the long-anticipated departure of one of their most exciting young players, Rory Wilson, to Aston Villa.

Rangers sporting director Ross Wilson told the club’s official website: “We are delighted to welcome Zak to Rangers. He is an exciting young player and one we are sure will progress here.

“He has developed really well with the staff at Millwall and we can see lots of potential in him.”

Millwall declared themselves “disappointed and saddened” by the move “having worked tirelessly over many months to convince Lovelace, his family, and his representatives that Millwall remained the ideal destination for the striker to continue his personal and professional development”.

A club statement added: “Despite these frustrations, everyone at Millwall wishes Lovelace the best of luck in his future career and hopes that he goes on to realise his outstanding potential.”

Striker Wilson, also 16, netted 49 goals for club and country last season, having represented Scotland Under-17s as well as Rangers Under-18 and B teams.

The head of the Ibrox club’s academy, Craig Mulholland said: “Rory is a young player who we have watched develop from a very young boy into a young man. He comes from a very strong family who support him exceptionally