Sam Lammers Rangers transfer workaround emerges as Utrecht boss warns of benchwarmer fate

Sam Lammers has been urged not to return to Rangers to warm the Ibrox bench after more than DOUBLING his Light Blues goals tally with Utrecht.

Lammers only scored twice as the Dutchman proved a major flop under Michael Beale following a £3.5 million summer move from Atalanta. But he's rediscovered his mojo back in the Netherlands, netting five goals in just 12 appearances for Utrecht, as well as weighing in with eight assists. And boss Ron Jans has hinted that they may try and land him on loan for another season.

Lammers revealed that the reason he didn't hit the goal trail at Ibrox was that he wasn't being played as an out-and-out striker. Utrecht have him him front and centre in attack and are reaping the rewards. However, it's unlikely they'd be able to meet Rangers' asking price - thought to be £2.5million - so another loan may be their best chance to keeping him for the 24/25 campaign.

Jans said: "I hope Sam stays with us next season too, maybe on loan again. From day one, everyone here knew he would be an asset to the club and that's exactly what he has been.

"He plays good football well and works hard. What happens next depends on a number of things. But he knows if he wants to play every week and be appreciated he should stay here.

"Suppose he now goes back and ends up on the bench at Rangers, or elsewhere else where he has to adapt again. I say to Sam, stay in the nice warm bath a bit longer!"