Rangers backed to agree Leo Castledine deal - expert

Rangers have been backed to agree a deal to bring Chelsea midfielder Leo Castledine to Ibrox on a season-long loan move.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Scotland and Celtic striker Frank McAvennie claimed Rangers would be landing an impressive signing should they complete a deal for Castledine.

However, he warned that many players have struggled in the past to cope with the level of expectation and pressure that comes with a move to Ibrox.

Chelsea’s overflowing squad size has pushed them into allowing players to leave before the transfer window closes, with Rangers keen to take advantage.

Castledine, 19, has just one senior appearance to his name so far, but has been backed to make a difference in Philippe Clement’s side.

Rangers well placed to sign Chelsea midfielder Leo Castledine

Both Ianis Hagi and Todd Cantwell are expected to leave Rangers this summer, opening up space for a new attacking midfielder.

As things stand, Tom Lawrence remains the first-choice option to play behind the striker, but Castledine has been tipped as the man to take on that role.

However, McAvennie hinted he may not be able to handle the pressure which he has insisted is at another level to any other club in the world.

“There’s about two dressing room’s worth of players at Chelsea,” he told Football Insider.

“They’ve got too many players and need to get rid of some, but if he’s got a contract at Chelsea then he must be a decent player.

“It’s alright being at a big club, but then you’ve got Celtic and Rangers. They demand that you win every game, it’s an incredible amount of pressure.

“The jersey doesn’t shrink to fit the player. You’ve got to have big shoulders to carry that mantle.

“I’ve seen a lot of good players who’ve gone to Rangers and couldn’t hack it.

“So this just depends on how this guy is going to handle it. You need to walk in as if you belong there and as if you own the place.

“If he makes the move, I wish him all the best because it’s a lot of pressure.”

In other news, Rangers have told three senior players to find new clubs.

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