Rangers were not interested in signing Linfield striker Charlie Allen, according to Four Lads Had A Dream. The insider claims that the club dropped their interest in the 16-year old when Ross Wilson became Director of Football:

Regarding reports that Rangers have missed out on Linfield player Charlie Allen, Rangers were never in for the player & have had no interest since Ross Wilson took over at the club

Talk that we were snubbed or missed out isn’t true

Not on our summer target list

— Four Lads Had a Dream (@4ladshadadream) May 15, 2020

The teenage sensation is now expected to sign for Leeds, but the likes of Tottenham, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United were also said to be tracking the player.

Fans on Twitter don’t understand why the Gers opted against making a move for Allen:

If we weren’t in for the lad that is absolutely ridiculous, brilliant prospect who made is debut for Linfield at 15

— HOOLYMC78???? (@HaroldMcCartne3) May 15, 2020

Surprised we weren’t in for him, excited about charlie lindsay tho

— david morrison (@bigdavie32) May 15, 2020

Why not? He looked class.

— tuco24 (@thehomelesstuco) May 15, 2020

Who cares if we miss out or not? Performance at 15 is no predictor you’ll make the grade. And it’s not as of he’ll get a game at Ibrox. Loaned out, loaned out, released, fade away. Or if you are any good, taken by an English side before you get a chance near the first team.

— Da58grYijhtt (@DavidDi03258716) May 15, 2020

watched him during the @ALKASSIntlCup and he was tremendous

— Alan Douglas (@ADouglas_1981) May 15, 2020

Of course he’s not

— George Reid (@georgereid21) May 15, 2020

Judging young players is not an exact science. With some youngsters, it is clear they will go on to do great things in the game, while others may never fulfil their potential.

Allen has certainly been ripping things up in Northern Ireland, having made four appearances for the first team already despite his young age.

However, we shall have to wait and see whether he will be able to translate that promise into performances at senior level.