IRISH STRIKER JON Daly looks set to make an unlikely move to Glasgow Rangers later this year.
The Dundee striker, who has scored 10 SPL goals and 15 in all competitions for Dundee United this season, is out of contract this summer and has gained interest from a number of clubs.
Rangers expressed their intent in signing the 30-year-old back in January and, after lengthy discussions, The Scotsman are reporting that a deal is close.
A former U21 international, Dubliner Daly would join a small group of Irish players to make the switch to the blue side of the Old Firm and would also become the first Republic of Ireland player to line out for the Gers in a competitive fixture at senior level in over 80 years.
Having won the Scottish Third Division, Rangers will play in the second tier next season but won’t be able to sign Daly until their transfer embargo is lifted on September 1.
Dermot O’Riordan, who sold a 15-year-old Daly to Stockport from schoolboy club Rangers back in 1998, told The Daily Record that he never thought he would see him sign for Rangers.
“There aren’t many Dubliners who sign for Glasgow Rangers but I’m pleased for Jonathan,” O’Riordan said.
“Obviously it’s an attractive proposition for him and the financial package on offer will have tempted him. This could also be the last big move of his career.
When he went to Stockport at 15 I believed it would be a stepping stone for him because he was a schoolboy Irish international and a real prospect.
“He had trials with bigger clubs than Stockport but I couldn’t have imagined he’d one day play for Rangers. Back then, it would have been more likely to be Celtic because of the Irish connection with the club.”
