Manchester City, Newcastle United 'in talks with Rangers youngster Alex Lowry'

Manchester City and Newcastle United have reportedly expressed their interest in signing Rangers starlet Alex Lowry.

The 18-year-old has caught the eye at youth level with the Gers and Giovanni van Bronckhorst has recently handed the midfielder four first-team appearances since the turn of the year.

According to Football Insider, Man City and Newcastle have both held talks with the player's representatives this month over a potential move to the Premier League.

The report adds that Rangers had offered Lowry a £5,000-a-week contract earlier this year, which has since been rejected by the midfielder.

Rangers are believed to be aware of the interest in Lowry but they are determined to keep hold of the teenager and tie him down to a new long-term contract.

Van Bronckhorst talked up Lowry in his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday's Premiership game with Motherwell, stating: "Alex is one of our big talents coming through the academy and we are in talks with him, he will be an important player for the future."

Lowry, who will see his current deal at Ibrox expire in June 2025, made his senior debut as a substitute in the Scottish Cup against Stirling Albion on January 21, before playing the full 90 minutes in his one and only league appearance to date against Livingston five days later.