Ex-Rangers star’s son lines up Serie A move amid Ibrox fan grumbles

Motherwell full-back Max Johnston is reportedly set to speak with Serie A Torino amid Rangers fan grumbles regarding the lack of Ibrox interest.

The 19-year-old right-back is the son of former Ibrox winger Allan Johnston and, according to Football Scotland, could become the latest Scottish youngster to move to Italy.

The report claims that Max Johnston is set for talks with Torino next week, with his contract set to expire at Fir Park come the end of the season.

Johnston – who has made 19 appearances for Motherwell this season – is also said to be interesting Portuguese club Sporting Lisbon and Premier League newcomers Burnley.

But Rangers fans who have been following the youngster’s situation closely will feel a sense of frustration that yet another young Scottish star – particularly one so close to the club – could be about to slip through our fingers.

Will Rangers miss out with Max Johnston linked to Torino?
Johnston may not have been officially linked to Rangers but, with the club needing to emphasise homegrown Scottish talent for UEFA competition, this could be a big opportunity missed.

So much so that Rangers fan media leaders and club insiders Heart & Hand urged that the Ibrox side should be “all over” Johnston as he prepares for talks with Torino.

It is not the first talented young Scottish player who could help fulfil Rangers’ homegrown quota who has slipped through the net either.

Rangers-linked Lewis Ferguson is now impressing at Bologna, while Josh Doig (Verona) and Aaron Hickey (Brentford via Bologna) have all been mentioned.

There is also Watford centre-back Ryan Porteous, who was the subject of rather advantageous reporting before he moved to Vicarage Road from Hibs.

These are all players who have slipped through the net for Rangers, and the club’s supporters may well live to rue the fact Johnston was given the freedom of Torino rather than Ibrox.

Rangers need eight homegrown players (trained in Scotland for three years before their 21st birthday) in a 25-man squad for UEFA competition and four players homegrown at the club (trained at Rangers for three years before 21st birthday).