Rangers star Lewis Macleod tracked by EPL clubs

Lewis Macleod has been a 'shining star' for Rangers in recent times. Picture: SNS

The 20-year old has been in sparkling form this campaign, scoring eight times in 19 appearances, and his play has drawn interest from Everton and Burnley, who would look to sign the player during the January transfer window

With James McArthur and Steven Naismith in his squad it’s apparent Everton boss Roberto Martinez values Scottish talent, while Sean Dyche’s struggling Burley side are desperately looking for attacking inspiration as they aim to avoid an immediate return to the English Championship.

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Ally McCoist has already spoken about his desire to hold onto Macleod - who is contracted until 2017 - though he conceded any final decision would be out of his hands as Rangers’ financial woes rumble on in the background.

“Lewis is playing every week, enjoying his football and he is clearly developing and it goes without saying we want that to continue,” McCoist told the media earlier this month.

“I will be dictated to by the board and people who make decisions but certainly from a footballing point he is doing absolutely smashing and he is a key member of our squad.

“Time will tell. In the darker days of the last couple of years when the fans have been looking for something to grab hold of, Lewis Macleod is a shining star that we have all grabbed hold of.”

McCoist’s decision to replace Macleod with Kris Boyd 10 minutes from the end of Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Hearts drew the ire of the away support.

Macleod made his Rangers debut in a 4-0 League Cup win over East Fife in August 2012.

With the exception of missing the final four months of last season through illness, he’s been an almost permanent fixture of the Rangers first team squad since that first appearance, and was recently rewarded for his stellar play with a call-up to the Scotland squad for the Republic of Ireland and England double-header.

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