A player for the absolute top’: Ex-Rangers man to become club’s joint-record £13m signing.

We may have merely scraped the surface of the former Rangers player’s capabilities.

And it is a frightening thought, given that he has progressed from a youth team player to one of the Scottish Premiership’s standout talents since leaving Ibrox last summer.

Malik Tillman’s brace in PSV Eindhoven’s 8-0 victory against Heerenveen earned him the Player of the Week title from Dutch daily Voetbal International, bringing his total of ‘goal contributions’ to 24 in just 37 outings for the Eredivisie champions-elect.

PSV, who can secure the title with a win at home to Sparta Rotterdam this weekend, are determined to turn his short-term loan agreement from Bayern Munich into a permanent transfer, as Rangers failed to achieve.

Malik Tillman can become PSV’s joint-record signing

Tillman’s deal includes a £13 million option to buy clause. If triggered, the USA international will become the joint-most expensive signing in the history of one of Dutch football’s traditional ‘big three’.

But coach Peter Bosz is confident that, assuming Tillman maintains his present rate of growth, a man who won’t even turn 22 for another few weeks might be worth every penny and more.

“If he continues to develop like this,” says Bosz to Voetbal Primeur. “Then he is a player for the absolute top.”

Tillman, who helped Rangers defeat their present team in the Champions League qualification process in 2023, had a slow start in the Netherlands. He has made himself invaluable since the winter transitioned to spring, scoring or assisting on seven goals in his last four Eredivisie games alone.

PSV CEO Marcel Brands confirmed to ESPN that signing Tillman permanently is their objective.

Forward has made big progress since Rangers spell

The final decision on Tillman’s future, however, is up to Bayern Munich. Rangers’ dreams of a permanent deal were dashed a year ago when Bayern cancelled his loan arrangement before selling him to PSV, who offered a much higher option-to-buy clause.

“I looked at a number of footage of him before he arrived to us. Former Rangers manager Giovanni Van Bronckhorst described Tillman as a talented and good player.

“(Tillman) did excellent work for us last year. He is strong both on the ball and in terms of work ethic. He also understands the game and has outstanding dribbling skills.

“I believe Rangers wanted to buy him, but Bayern Munich exercised their option. That is why he is presently with PSV.”

Rangers, who are also chasing a title, visit Kilmarnock on Sunday with the goal of catching Old Firm rivals Celtic at the top of the league.