Struggling Sky Bet Championship club Sunderland are thought to be weighing up a summer move for Rangers defender David Bates according to the Daily Record.
The 21-year-old Kirkcaldy born centre-back is being tipped for a bright future in the game although an extended stay at Ibrox might not be on the cards with the player’s current deal set to expire in the summer.
Bates is yet to agree a contract extension with Rangers and there is a risk that the centre-back could leave the Glasgow giants for just a five-figure compensation fee.
It has now been reported that Sky Bet Championship club Sunderland are keen to sign Bates in the summer with the cash-strapped outfit potentially eyeing the player as something of a bargain buy.
Bates started his career with hometown club Raith Rovers before joining Rangers in August 2017 on a development loan which was later made permanent. Since joining The Gers, the centre-back has made just 14 appearances in all competitions however the player has now broken into the side under new boss Greame Murty and Bates has put in some impressive displays for the club.
The player is a lifelong Rangers fan but at this stage, it is not known whether Bates is willing to stay at Ibrox for the long term.
