Former Rangers players Barry Ferguson and Brian Laudrup are both now wondering whether the Light Blues should sign Malik Tillman on a permanent basis.

Ther American international would reportedly cost £5m, and Ferguson claims that the midfielder’s failure to turn up in successive Old Firm derbies means he would be on the phone to Bayern to negotiate down the asking price:

“The talk are the Germans are after £5million-plus but I imagine that kind of figure represents a significant chunk of Beale’s transfer kitty for the summer. If we could talk them down by a couple of million then of course it seems like a smart move. But for the kind of money that’s been reported, I’d rather spend it somewhere more important – like on a striker that can finish into an open goal from five yards out.”

Laudrup is of a similar opinion to Ferguson, and he feels the investment required to keep Tillman may limit Michael Beale’s ability to spend on other players:

“In an ideal world, I would activate the reported £5million clause to sign Tillman from Bayern in a heartbeat. At 20, he’s got so much potential. But what proportion would it take out of the budget this summer? And how might it impact on funds available for the ready-made, game changing replacements needed for Morelos and Kent?”

“That’s my concern. Those other attacking positions might be where the money is better spent. It’s no slight on Tillman. We’ve yet to see him really influence an Old Firm game in a creative sense but his attitude and effort looked spot-on before being injured on Sunday. The question now is possibly a financial one. Plus, of course, how Tillman feels about it all.”

It’s a difficult call to make on Tillman. You have to keep in mind that the midfielder is still only 20 years of age and his performances could improve massively in the space of a single season.

Rangers may live to regret opting against sealing his signature if he goes on to have success somewhere else. A lot will depend on the transfer budget. A massive overhaul is needed and some tough decisions will have to be made.