Rangers striker Kemar Roofe has been heavily linked with a departure from Ibrox this summer, with several clubs in England believed to be circling.

What's the word?

The 29-year-old - who arrived in Glasgow two years ago - is reportedly the subject of interest of a handful of Football League clubs.

Both Derby County and Sheffield Wednesday have been linked with a loan swoop for the Jamaica international in recent weeks.

Amid the prospect of potentially losing Roofe in the current transfer window, journalist Pete O'Rourke has provided his verdict on the forward's future, hinting that Ibrox manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst could well be eager to keep hold of the former Leeds United marksman.

The transfer insider told Football FanCast: "Yeah it's an interesting one this one that Kemar Roofe could potentially be leaving Rangers. I'm sure Giovanni van Bronckhorst would want to keep hold of the forward, we know the problems that Rangers had at the back end of last season with injuries to their strikers.

"So he'll be able to have as much strength in depth ahead of this new season as they look to try and regain the Scottish Premiership title from Celtic."

Good news for Rangers

While a move away from the Old Firm giants has not been ruled out for Roofe, the suggestion that the Gers boss is eager to keep hold of the five-cap gem is a positive one, with it seemingly good news that he will potentially still have a part to play under the Dutchman next term.

Although he has had injury troubles of his own during his stint in Scotland, the £4.95m-rated striker proved particularly useful at the tail end of the 2021/22 campaign after talisman Alfredo Morelos was ruled out due to a thigh issue, stepping into the Colombian's shoes to the lead the line effectively.

The £26k-per-week marksman finished the season with an impressive haul of 16 goals in 36 games in all competitions, notably netting a crucial extra-time strike against Braga to help fire the Light Blues into the Europa League semi-finals.

The Walsall-born striker proved particularly prolific in the Premiership as he fired in ten goals and one assist in just 21 league games, having only featured from the start in nine of those outings.

While seemingly not a first-choice option, Roofe has shown himself to be an invaluable deputy during his time at the club, with his Rangers record now standing at 34 goals and five assists in 72 games across all fronts.

A reliable and versatile figure in Van Bronckhorst's squad - with the ability to also feature on either flank -  the 5 foot 10 menace still appears to have a role to play with the Light Blues, and it's good to know that his manager seemingly agrees.

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