Mark Warburton: Barrie McKay won't be sold on the cheap

Rangers' Barrie McKay won't be sold cheaply, says his manager Mark Warburton. Picture: SNS

Warburton claims players in Scotland are undervalued but he has no intention of letting any of his own be sold for a bargain price.

McKay has been the subject of transfer speculation in recent weeks with Bundesliga title challengers RB Leipzig reported to be considering an offer and English Premier League clubs also linked with interest.

The winger has 18 months left on his contract and Warburton insists they will fight to keep him.

He told Rangers TV: “You look at the prices being paid and you can see why Scottish players represent value but our job is to keep our best players and if any player leaves here they will leave here on Rangers’ terms.

“I think there is a lack of appreciation for the Scottish market. I think there is an unnecessary derogatory stance or view sometimes of the Scottish game.

“You can see why in certain aspects but there are a lot of very talented players up here and for the Scottish national team and you want the players exposed to the highest level possible.

“We hope very much that we keep our best talent; we want them here playing for Rangers.”

Warburton is not surprised about the speculation surrounding McKay.

“He is a very talented young player with loads of development still left in him so it is a delight to watch Barrie grow and thrive,” said Warburton, whose team aim to follow up their William Hill Scottish Cup win over Motherwell with three Ladbrokes Premiership points at Fir Park on Saturday.

“Barrie has just turned 22 but David (Weir) and I have no doubt that he has a big career in the game. You hope very much it is here but with football you can’t control that.

“There are no fears Barrie’s head has been turned, you saw at the weekend the level of his performance, his dynamism, his desire and his commitment to the club is undoubted.

“I have no problems about Barrie McKay whatsoever; I want him to keep on working hard every day in training and watch him continue to develop in the weeks ahead.”