Hateley: Rangers Should Use Tottenham Youngster Success Story to Land Arsenal's Max Dowman

Former Rangers striker Mark Hateley has urged the club to pursue and sign Arsenal teenage sensation Max Dowman on a loan move this January, as per The Scotsman.

Hateley has asked Rangers to follow the 'Mikey Moore' route from last season to provide a space for the Gunners' talent to develop further while reaping the benefits of his performances for the second half of the campaign. 

According to a report by Roundtable, Rangers identified Dowman as a potential winter loan signing alongside Old Firm rivals Celtic. Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta reportedly has indicated to the player that he will not be getting regular minutes with the club this season, but his improvement is crucial to the manager; therefore, he is expected to go out on a simple loan deal during the January transfer window. 

Due to age restriction rules, Dowman could not be sent on a loan this summer, but he will be fully eligible to find game time elsewhere three months later. The Chelmsford-born winger made history by becoming Arsenal's youngest ever starter in a Premier League match at 15 years and 302 days. With a goal in a 2-0 victory against Everton, he also became the youngest player ever in the English top flight to score at 16 years and 73 days old. 

“Max is in a similar situation [to Moore], said Hateley. “Danny Rohl found a way to play him and get the best out of Mikey Moore at Rangers. I think Derek McInnes would see the good habits he brings from Arsenal, and hopefully he would have a similar impact to what Mikey did from January onwards." 

Hateley's opinion is expected to be shared by Rangers fans as Tottenham released Moore to the Scottish giants in return for the player to get consistent playing time. This route helped both sides in fulfilling their requirements for the season with Spurs developing one of their own while the Gers adding to their squad depth. 

In fact, Moore's case could emerge as a huge convincing path for Rangers in negotiations with Arteta. Hateley notes Dowman's ball carrying capabilities and likens the role to Paul Gascoigne for moving the ball up and then releasing attackers in front of him. 

Rangers need to plan for their January transfers soon, and Dowman will certainly not be an easy case since several clubs from around Europe have put him on their radar. Apart from Celtic, Championship outfits like Burnley and Wolves also remain in the mix to secure his services.