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Steven Gerrard’s Rangers are looking to sign George Edmundson from Oldham Athletic, with Sky Sports reporting that the youngster handed in a transfer request last month. So, what do we know about the English defender?

Steven Gerrard looks angry

Who is he?

Edmundson is 21 years of age, standing at 6 ft 3, and is currently playing his football in League Two for Oldham.

The Latics’ number four has been out on loan at Ramsbottom United, Alfreton Town and AFC Fylde, but in 2018 Edmundson returned to Boundary Park to become a regular in the line-up. The club did get relegated from League One during his time in the first team, however.

He’s now been linked with a move to Rangers as a reward for his performances, though Derby County are also said to be interested in signing the centre-half.

Former Latics Manager Frankie Bunn commented on the youngster when he signed a new deal with Oldham last year saying: “It’s a good reward for an up-and-coming player with potential, he’s been excellent since we’ve been here.

“His enthusiasm, dedication and playing ability has warranted this new deal.

“For other youngsters at the club they can aspire to what George has done, he has worked hard to do it.

“I have told him he can’t rest on his laurels, he’s not the finished article yet and there is more to come.”

How does he play?

Edmundson comes in the mould of many young, modern centre-backs.

He’s a towering figure with a stocky build as well, making him very difficult to dispossess or to win a 50-50 challenge against. Perhaps people would assume that this takes away from his ball skill, but that would be very incorrect. In fact, the defender is very comfortable playing out from the back and picking out clever passes into midfield, and has even bagged himself the odd goal and a few assists as well.

He’s strong in the air and uses his pace effectively as well. It’s no surprise he’s being looked at by one of the top clubs in Scottish football, and Gerrard may feel he can nurture him into a more mature centre-back for the future.

2018-19 in numbers

Edmundson has registered some very impressive stats over his previous campaign with Oldham. The youngster made 45 starts for the League Two side, scoring two goals and even securing five assists - a phenomenal tally for a young centre-back.

His performances have earned him a place in The Guardian’s team of the season as well as the official EFL’s League Two team of the year, which is an impressive achievement considering the youngster played in a side that finished 14th and conceded 60 goals.

Anyone enjoyed a similar path?

James Tarkowski

James Tarkowski: Once a young defender at Oldham Athletic, much like Edmundson, but now he’s enjoying his football in the Premier League with Burnley. He’s earned England caps as well since signing for the Clarets, and remains an inspiration for players in the lower leagues hoping to make it at the highest level of English football.

When will we see him?

Edmundson is being hotly monitored by Rangers, but the youngster has also attracted Derby, so it remains to be seen where he’ll move this summer, if he does at all. For now though, he’s still playing his football in England, though he may have his big move to Scotland confirmed if Gerrard and his staff can agree a deal to bring the youngster to Ibrox.