Motherwell goalkeeper Liam Kelly set to make stunning Rangers transfer return

MOTHERWELL free agent Liam Kelly is in talks over a stunning return to first club Rangers.

SunSport understands the Scotland international – hoping to be named in Steve Clarke‘s squad tomorrow for the Euros in Germany – is in line to become part of Philippe Clement‘s major summer rebuild.

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The 28-year-old spent 12 years on the Gers’ books from youth to professional before leaving for Livingston in 2018 without making a first team appearance.

Kelly – who has one international cap – is also wanted by Gers boss Clement because he’s keen to bolster his Scottish squad quota for Uefa competitions ahead of this summer’s Champions League qualifiers.

Kelly’s flourished since leaving the Light Blues six years ago.

After just one impressive season with Livi he headed south for QPR but his two years at Loftus Road failed to live up to his hopes.

Kelly – whose Scotland debut came in France in a friendly last October – moved to Motherwell on loan in 2021 and was an instant success.

He completed a permanent switch to Fir Park within six months on a three year deal.

Kelly’s been virtually an ever present and his consistent form has made him a Scotland squad regular.

He’s had interest elsewhere with his contract expiring but even though he would be Jack Butland’s deputy – with his playing time restricted – it’s believed he could find Clement’s offer impossible to reject.

Captain Kelly made over 150 appearances for the Steelmen and boss Stuart Kettlewell desperately wanted to keep him.

But the lure of going back to Rangers is too strong and Clement would be delighted to get his man.

Veteran Jon McLaughlin is heading out of Ibrox with his contract ending while Robby McCrorie – who has been back up to Butland – could also exit with the 26-year-old likely to be the subject of interest from clubs able to offer regular first team action.

Clement and director of football recruitment Nils Koppen are keen to push on with strengthening ahead of next month’s return of the players for pre-season training.

Panama defender Jose Cordoba, 22, is on the brink of being confirmed as a £3 million-plus capture from Bulgarian giants Levski Sofia.

While Kelly is hoping to head to the Euros, Ibrox No1 Butland has been left out of the England squad.

Gareth Southgate has named an extended 33-man training squad but there was no place for the impressive Gers stopper.

Butland misses out despite Southgate selecting FOUR goalkeepers.

First choice Jordan Pickford and squad regular Aaron Ramsdale are included as expected, with Dean Henderson recalled.

There’s also a spot for Burnley‘s James Trafford despite the fact he was benched for the final 10 matches of the English Premier League season.

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