Oli McBurnie has said he would “definitely” like to stay at Sheffield United despite links to a free transfer switch to Rangers, according to The Star.
The English paper reported via their website on 1 November that the Scotland international striker believes it would be a “no-brainer” for him to remain at the Premier League club.
McBurnie, 28, has regularly been linked to an Ibrox move due to his support for the Light Blues, and currently faces an “uncertain future” with the Blades as his contract is set to expire in the summer.
McBurnie said when asked if he would stay at Brammal Lane if the option is there: “Definitely. You know how happy I am here and I’m settled back up north.
“Being around it, I get on well with the fans and the staff and all the boys. I love it here so yes, it’s a no-brainer.”
McBurnie was in the same situation a year ago and ultimately saw his deal extended by another season, but with the club struggling back in the English top flight it remains unclear as yet whether he will get a further deal.
It sounds pretty decisive that if the opportunity arises he will take it, so despite his links to Rangers it might be a move that proves impossible even if the club is interested.
However, if Sheffield United make clear to him that they don’t plan to keep him around then he is free to explore pre-contract options in January as long as he leaves the division, potentially opening the door to the Light Blues.
Sam Lammers’ and Cyriel Dessers’ struggles since their summer moves to Glasgow has likely put Philippe Clement back in the market for a striker.
And much of the focus has landed on Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland after his goal and stand-out performance at Ibrox on Sunday (29 October).
Unless the current Ibrox forwards start to hit form in the next couple of months the Rangers boss is likely to need an answer in the winter window, so investigating a possible free transfer for the summer might take a back seat.
McBurnie returned to scoring form last term with 15 in all competitions but had struggled to find the net in the two campaigns previous, so unless it is a very cost-effective prospect it may be that Shankland is the more attractive option either way.