Kieran Dowell is edging closer to a move to Rangers after Norwich City confirmed the midfielder will be leaving on a free transfer at the end of the current campaign.

The Ibrox side have been heavily linked with a move for the 25-year-old playmaker in recent weeks and manager Michael Beale is believed to be pursuing an end-of-contract offer for the Englishman.

Dowell, who counts Everton among his former clubs, is one of five Norwich players told they can leave for nothing this summer as the English club explained in a statement released on Friday.

“Norwich City can confirm that [first-team players] Sam Byram, Kieran Dowell and Michael McGovern will leave the football club when their respective contracts expire this summer,” it read, adding: “Dowell will leave the club having made 75 appearances in all competitions, scoring 12 goals.”

 Sporting director Stuart Webber added: “I’d like to thank the boys for their contribution to the club over the time they have been with us. Michael has enjoyed two promotions and has been an outstanding professional throughout his time with us.

“Kieran and Sam both enjoyed being in the squad for the record-breaking points tally we have achieved in the Championship in 2021, with Kieran scoring some valuable goals during the run in.

“We wish all of the players well. They know that they are all, along with their families, welcome back at Carrow Road or the Lotus Training Centre any time.”

Should the move go through, Dowell would be the second player to move from Carrow Road to Ibrox this year after Todd Cantwell made the journey north in the January transfer window.

The Insider newsletter is the latest move by the team at the Rangers Review to bring content directly to you. We already have accounts on Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, Tik Tok and Instagram but we will also send exclusive bespoke opinion pieces every day at 5pm direct to your email. Not only will you receive this piece from one of our team of Joshua Barrie, Derek Clark or Jonny McFarlane but you will also get our list of the best content published in the last 24 hours. It's a handy way to keep abreast of what's going on amid all the noise surrounding Scotland's most successful club. You can sign up in five seconds with just an email address.