MILLWALL youngster Zak Lovelace has joined Scottish giants Rangers.

The promising 16-year-old broke into the Lion's first team last season becoming the second youngest player in the club's history to make a first-team appearance.

Following his debut in December, Lovelace went on to make a further four appearances for the Championship side.

Millwall are said to be "disappointed" about the outcome with Lovelace as they had hoped he would commit his future and stay at The Den.

The club released the following statement about the deal: "The club is disappointed and saddened by this outcome having worked tirelessly over many months to convince Lovelace, his family, and his representatives that Millwall remained the ideal destination for the striker to continue his personal and professional development.

"Despite these frustrations, everyone at Millwall wishes Lovelace the best of luck in his future career and hopes that he goes on to realise his outstanding potential."

Rangers, however, are happy to have snatched up the youngster, and as they are north of the boarder, they will not have to pay a large compensation fee to Millwall.

Sporting director, Ross Wilson, said: “We are delighted to welcome Zak to Rangers. He is an exciting young player and one we are sure will progress here.

“He has developed really well with the staff at Millwall and we can see lots of potential in him. 

“A key part of our scouting strategy has been to identify and invest in talent to strengthen our pipeline and the strategy is working successfully for us with Calvin Bassey and Charlie McCann being examples of that. 

“Our scouts are doing a great job and are working on a number of emerging talents this summer with Lancelot Pollard also recently joining from Aberdeen.” 

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