Rangers turn a profit as Manchester City sign up prospect Dire Mebude

The 16-year-old brother of Rangers prospect Dapo Mebude was linked with a move a month ago, but a deal has been struck this week and represents a profit for Rangers after a summer youth recruitment drive.

Head of Rangers Academy Craig Mulholland said: “We wish Dire well at Manchester City. Ross [Wilson] and I will take the decision to trade players out when we believe a deal represents value for Rangers and fits in with the overall planning that we have in mind for of our squads. That is the case with Dire and he leaves with our best wishes.

"This summer we recruited Tony Weston from Blackpool, who was much sought-after, James Graham from Ross County and Charlie Lindsay, who joined us from Glentoran, had many options.

“The combined spend to recruit these three exciting talents was less than the fee we will receive from Manchester City which is significantly greater than mandatory compensation figures.”

Mebude Junior will link up with the City youth squads at the Etihad Campus, which sits in the shadow of the first team’s Etihad Stadium. He has also been involved with Scotland youth set-ups in the past, while highly rated older brother Dapo made his Rangers debut last year.

A pleased Mulholland has described the summer transfer window as “excellent so far” and added in Glasgow Times: “We are in a stronger place now than we were at the opening of the window.”