Rangers make decision on defender eyed by West Ham and Sheffield United but want transfer guarantee

Sheffield United are one of a number of clubs eyeing young Rangers defender Kyle McClelland. The B team prospect has been a regular in the Lowland League for the Scottish giants and is highly rated.

According to reports north of the border, Ibrox officials will allow him to leave for free providing a sell-on clause is inserted into the terms of the deal. That will alert Blades boss Paul Heckingbottom, who is currently looking at young potential, free signings and loan players to bolster his squad for next season.

Also said to be interested are fellow Championship sides Huddersfield and Cardiff, while Sheffield United will also face competition from Premier League outfit West Ham. He certainly looks to have no shortage of suitors.

Capped at under 21 level for Northern Ireland, Rangers rate the Irishman highly. However, they have plenty of competition in that area with the emergence of Leon King.

King played the full 90 minutes and impressed in Sunday's 2-0 win over Dundee United at Ibrox in what was his first league start for the club.

McClelland has also spent time on loan at Falkirk previously and has been offered the chance to remain at the club. However, reports claim he has turned down the offer of a new contract. Now 20, he's said to be keen on securing more first-team football.

Rangers, who would normally be entitled to compensation with him being under 24, will not stand in his way of a free transfer providing they can profit financially from any future deal.