Rangers set to sign Chelsea’s rising star

STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - APRIL 29: Dujon Sterling of Stoke City during the Sky Bet Championship between Stoke City and Queens Park Rangers at Bet365 Stadium on April 29, 2023 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - APRIL 29: Dujon Sterling of Stoke City during the Sky Bet Championship between Stoke City and Queens Park Rangers at Bet365 Stadium on April 29, 2023 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

Rangers are on the brink of completing the free transfer of Chelsea defender Dujon Sterling, according to Evening Standard

The 23-year-old fullback has spent this season on loan at Stoke City in the Championship, making 28 appearances across all competitions for the Potters.

Football Scotland revealed last week that Rangers only needed to agree personal terms with Sterling to finalize the deal.

They see him as a long-term replacement for veteran right-back James Tavernier.

Now, the Evening Standard reports Rangers are edging ever closer to sealing the transfer, with Chelsea giving their approval.

Former Blues academy coach Michael Beale, now Rangers manager, has won the race for Sterling’s signature ahead of various English clubs.

Rangers have offered Sterling Champions League football and the chance to compete for major honors in Scotland.

Barring any late hitches, Sterling is expected to sign in the coming weeks after a medical.

Sterling’s career was threatened by a mystery illness in recent years, but he has overcome that setback.

Rangers need to strengthen across the board after a dismal trophyless campaign in which bitter rivals Celtic prevailed.

Beale will likely be busy this summer, with Rangers linked to many players. He has already agreed to sign midfielder Kieran Dowell from Norwich on a free.

Dujon Sterling poised for Ibrox switch

With Rangers’ budget unclear, Beale will try to exploit the free market. Sterling is a decent long-term option to succeed Tavernier.

The youngster impressed at Stoke, showing versatility in defense and midfield. Beale likes adaptable players, and Sterling could thrive under him.

Sterling’s marauding presence, speed, and potential should endear him to Rangers fans. His loan spell proved he can perform at a high level, and a move to Ibrox could take his game up another notch.

If the transfer goes through, it will represent a coup for Rangers and continue their shrewd recruitment drive.

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