Accrington's Matt Crooks and Josh Windass

Rangers talk to Accrington's Matt Crooks and Josh Windass

Rangers have moved to sign Accrington Stanley pair Josh Windass and Matt Crooks, according to the English League Two club's majority shareholder.

Andy Holt revealed on Twitter that he was aware Rangers had opened talks with the midfielders, who are both 21.

"I have been informed today that Rangers are talking to Josh and Crooksey about a move," he said.

"This is unsolicited and is being done under Fifa international regs that I totally disagree with."

Both players' contracts expire in the summer and they are free to speak to other clubs about potential summer moves under freedom of contract.

However, they would be subject to compensation fees because of their ages.
Accrington Stanley utility man Matt Crooks (left) in action against Northampton Town

Windass, the son of former Aberdeen and Hull City striker Dean Windass, joined Accrington from Northern Premier League outfit Harrogate Railway Athletic in 2013.

He was recently reported to be a target for Arsenal and has rejected the offer of a new contract from his present club.

Like Windass, who has netted 11 goals this season, Crooks came through the youth ranks at Huddersfield Town and made the switch to Accrington permanent in February after a loan spell.

Crooks, who has also played in defence and up front, had previous loan spells with Halifax Town, Radcliffe Borough and Hartlepool United.

He has scored seven goals this season, with manager John Coleman suggesting the player could become a millionaire if he works on his game.

In Holt's series of messages, which were retweeted by Accrington's official account, he urged the club to battle with Rangers to hold on to the players.

Stanley are chasing promotion and lie seventh in the League Two table, while Rangers lead the Scottish Championship, with manager Mark Warburton keen to build a squad with the prospect of top-flight football next season.

We ought to send Jimbob to act as go between.

Amsterdamage wrote:

We ought to send Jimbob to act as go between.

Rangers bid £100,000 for Windass.

JB: "We want to keep our best players at Accrington".

Rangers bid £150,000.

JB: "Deal!"

Accrington chairman: "Mr. Brent, do you realise he's been watched by Premier League and Championship scouts every week since the summer? We turned down a £750,000 bid from Derby only a month ago, and we'd get double that at tribunal."

JB: "The deal was too got to turn down, I got every penny I could. Just think of how many hotels you could furnish with that".

Well we aint gonna be signing them for sure !!!!

Rangers seems like a great move for these two players - if they are as good as they think they are.

If they go there they'll be playing for a team that must win every game and, pretty much, probably will. This will give them good experience at a level that allows them to show their ability and offers a year at least starring in a winning team. Once Rangers hit their top flight again and the Old Firm factor kicks in it'll be a much less desirable club to play for but their profile will be up by then and the likes of Wolves, Leeds or Sheff Wednesday will come a-sniffing.

It really sucks if you're Accrington though. They have the best 1st XI that they have had in years, and maybe their best 1st XI ever, and these two guys are obviously pivotal to it all and they are likely to be off for next to nothing.

Looks like they've agreed pre-contract agreements and will potentially join at the end of the season when their contracts expire. Accrington will be due compensation as both are 21.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/35239440

Sir Francis Drake wrote:

Rangers seems like a great move for these two players - if they are as good as they think they are.

If they go there they'll be playing for a team that must win every game and, pretty much, probably will. This will give them good experience at a level that allows them to show their ability and offers a year at least starring in a winning team. Once Rangers hit their top flight again and the Old Firm factor kicks in it'll be a much less desirable club to play for but their profile will be up by then and the likes of Wolves, Leeds or Sheff Wednesday will come a-sniffing.

It really sucks if you're Accrington though. They have the best 1st XI that they have had in years, and maybe their best 1st XI ever, and these two guys are obviously pivotal to it all and they are likely to be off for next to nothing.

At least they have held onto them until the end of the season, losing two players like them now would be their season over, it's why I hate the Jan window, unless you are a big rich team it sucks.

Hopefully the tribunal will be kind to Accrington - those players were worth a lot of money.