Scottish Premiership outfit Rangers are set to beat Sheffield United to win the signature of former Derby County winger Tom Lawrence, according to a report from The Star.

Following Derby's relegation to League One, it always looked as though the former Leicester City man would move on and he could have plenty of options on the table considering how well he performed last season.

Recording 11 goals and five assists in 38 league appearances during the 2021/22 campaign, he played his part in ensuring the Rams remained in the race for survival until the latter stages of the season.

 

 

And these statistics are particularly impressive considering how inexperienced the East Midlands side's squad was, with their fall into administration stifling their ability to bring in more experienced players.

The last campaign was a crucial one for Lawrence personally - because he didn't exactly enjoy the most fruitful 2020/21 season and with his contract coming to an end - last term was the perfect time for him to put himself in the shop window.

He certainly did that with his performances and leadership, not letting his performance levels drop despite being handed the task of leading what was a very young Derby squad.

However, this is just step one in a potential quest to get himself back to the top flight - and there won't be any shortage of motivation for him to complete this mission after failing to appear regularly at this level for Manchester United and Leicester.

Sheffield United, who were also believed to be interested in luring him to Bramall Lane, will be one of the favourites to win promotion next season with Paul Heckingbottom at the helm and the Blades looking comfortable in a back three once more.

He may not be guaranteed a starting spot in South Yorkshire, with Tommy Doyle's arrival potentially pushing Sander Berge into a more advanced role, but there's every chance Heckingbottom will operate with a 3-4-2-1 system and that may allow Lawrence to slot in alongside the Norwegian.

The former Derby County man could make a real difference in this role too, playing in a more central position before but also able to drift out wide.

He could be just as vital at Ibrox - but the Welshman has unfinished business in the Premier League and at 28 - you feel he needs to get to the top flight sooner rather than later if he's to make a big impact at the highest level.

And at this stage, he has more chance of doing that with the Blades than the Gers, so a late U-turn could be wise.