Transfer Site

Leicester and Arsenal among clubs bidding to sign Scottish defender in Germany

  • Oct 24, 7:00

Drew Bartle Head Sports Editor


Leicester City have emerged as one of a few Premier League clubs that are showing strong interest in signing Scottish U21 international David Bates, who currently plys his trade in Bundesliga 2 side Hamburg (according to the Leicester Mercury).

The 22-year old has been on the books at Hamburg since leaving from Steven Gerrard’s Rangers back in July, and has since played eight senior games for the German side who were relegated for the first time in their history from the top-flight last season.

The defender is also being eyed by Premier League clubs Arsenal, Watford and Everton who may very well be impressed by the defender’s impressive performances – helping Hamburg keep six clean sheets in the eight league games he’s featured in.

Incredibly David Bates left Rangers on a free transfer at the start of July, despite playing in 19 Scottish Premier League games last season. Bates also had spells at Raith Rovers, Brechin City and East Stirlingshire.

The links to Leicester and Arsenal are interesting, especially with the Foxes and Gunners not really having any evident space for the Scot in their defences. However, it could fuel further speculation regarding the long-term future of Harry Maguire at Leicester should the club look to be recruiting even more centre-backs.

For now though Bates looks to be one of the first names on Hamburg’s team sheet and if they are to bounce back at the first attempt, the young Scot could soon be squaring up against the likes of Bayern Munich and Dortmund.

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