Philippe Clement urged Rangers Board to resolve contract issues with vital player

Philippe Clement urged Rangers Board to resolve contract issues with vital player

According to Michael Stewart, John Lundstram is a “vital” member of the Rangers team, and replacing him would be highly expensive.

The analyst stated live on Viaplay Sports after the 2-0 Scottish Cup win over Hibs (10 March) that if the midfielder leaves Ibrox this summer,

it will cost “a lot of money” to replace the void, which also carries additional risks.

Lundstram, a former Sheffield United player, is now in contract talks with the Gers about a new agreement,

since his current one expires at the end of the season.

Stewart stated (7.30pm): “Looking to replace someone like that takes a lot of money, and then you’ve got to hope that the individual settles into the team.

“He’s a vital part of this side in that crucial area of the park.”

John Lundstram and Philippe Clement urge Rangers to stay

Despite some of his other comments during the game at Easter Road, Stewart is correct about the situation,

and a new Ibrox deal for the Englishman appears to be a top priority heading into the summer.

Lundstram has emerged as one of the pundits’ favourites in the Gers squad, and he appears to be in the same situation as Philippe Clement,

who has resurrected the player’s form and employs him whenever feasible.

Mohamed Diomande’s arrival has also strengthened the midfield, but the “huge” cost of £4.5 million shows that it will be significantly more cost-effective to reach an agreement with Lundstram than to hunt for another, presumably younger, player to fill the role.

At 30, he is just around the age where some players begin to slow down or break down, but others may have years left at their position.

Ryan Jack and Steven Davis are undoubtedly strong examples of either camp, and with the latter no longer in the Ibrox squad after retiring at 39, and the former still unable to play due to injury at 32, the need to reach an agreement is likely to intensify.

Both Lundstram and Clement have stated that they want the partnership to continue, and while he has been permitted to speak with international teams for the past two months, there has been no indication that he is seeking elsewhere, but the ongoing conversations are not assured to end positively.

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