Jack Simpson agrees Rangers deal and Bournemouth team-mate Nnamdi Ofoborh could follow
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Jack Simpson (left) came through the youth ranks with Bournemouth
Rangers have signed "much-coveted" defender Jack Simpson on a pre-contract agreement and Bournemouth expect team-mate Nnamdi Ofoborh to follow.
Cherries manager Jason Tindall revealed that the 21-year-old midfielder is "close to agreeing" a deal with the Scottish Premiership leaders.
He and 24-year-old Simpson are not yet established in Tindall's side.
"It is a great opportunity for them to go to a big club like Rangers and I wish them well," he said.
"Jack's only recently had a run of games and he performed extremely well, but it is credit to himself and the staff here that a few good Championship clubs were looking at him."
England-born Nigeria Under-20 cap Ofoborh has been limited to two starts and three substitute appearances since making his debut in September after getting his first taste of first-team football on loan to Wycombe Wanderers last season.
Fellow academy product Simpson, a centre-back who has also filled in at left-back, has played 12 times this season, nine of them in the starting line-up.
Tindall, whose side currently sit sixth in the Championship, suggested that Simpson, who has made 35 appearances in all since making his debut in October 2017, had made strides in his development since Rangers made a failed attempt to sign him on loan a year ago.
Rangers sporting director Ross Wilson told his club website: "It has been well publicised that he has been a much-coveted player south of the border.
"His contractual situation at Bournemouth provided a natural and attractive moment for us to pursue Jack's signature."
Bournemouth, who are looking to return to the English top flight after relegation in the summer, say Simpson will remain at the Vitality Stadium until the end of his contract.
He joins Aberdeen forward Scott Wright in sealing a pre-contract agreement with Rangers this week.
Carl Fletcher, former Bournemouth youth team manager, reckons Simpson can thrive at Ibrox, telling BBC Scotland: "He's technically very good, has a great character, very level-headed, and I have no doubt Jack will do well at Rangers.
"Jack grew up as a midfielder, but there weren't going to be too many opportunities pushing for the first team in that position, so he changed to centre-half, which he adapted to well."
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