Kenny McLean Rangers transfer dream revisited as Norwich City star wanted for Ibrox move

Lifelong fan Kenny McLean could finally fulfill his wish of playing for Rangers this summer.

Reports on Monday suggested that the Norwich City vice-captain is on a list of targets for Philippe Clement ahead of the new campaign. McLean, 32, is on his way back from Germany after making three sub appearances at the Euros for eliminated Scotland.

The midfielder will enjoy a couple of weeks rest before returning to Carrow Road for pre-season but he could have other things on his mind with a potential dream move to Ibrox on the cards. McLean came through the youth ranks in Govan before his hopes of playing for his beloved club were dashed when he was released as a 16-year-old.

Now, 16 years later, McLean could be on the verge of playing for his boyhood heroes if Gers chiefs can negotiate a fee with the Canaries. The versatile star - who can also play at centre-back - is under contract until 2026 but could be allowed to leave if new boss Johannes Hoff Thorup decides he isn't part of his plans.

Yet while McLean may well have his fingers crossed that an agreement can be thrashed out, it isn't the first time that the ex-St Mirren and Aberdeen favourite has been linked with a move to Rangers. He was first mooted with a switch to Glasgow in 2018 following the expiry of his Pittodrie contract. But speaking to Si Ferry's Open Goal, he said: "There was talk a couple of times about Rangers but nothing ever materialised for me.

"Even when I was out of contract at Aberdeen, I had six months left on my deal and there were talks but nothing too big to be honest with you. Nothing for me to get excited about because there was nothing ever in front of me."

McLean was more up front about his ambitions in an interview with the Athletic in 2021, saying: "I'd be lying if I said it wasn't something I'd want to do. As a kid that's what you want to do, play for your boyhood team. Right now, I'm about to play in the Premier League again, so I'm not thinking about it!

"But for me and my family, it would be pretty special. I grew up a Rangers fan, used to go to the games with my dad and as a kid in Glasgow, you support Rangers or Celtic and you want to play for one of them. So, I was on the better side."

More recently, McLean made no secret of his desire to pull on the royal blue jersey as he discussed his future with the Talk Norwich City podcast in 2022, admitting: "I think long term, it will be back in Glasgow.

"I get asked that so much, honestly. There's always talk. But there's never been anything in front of me saying 'there you go.' In the past, there has been more than just talk. It's never materialised into anything.

"Would I love it one day? Of course. If you're brought up and that's who you support, then of course I would. My family would be over the moon."