ENGLISH National League outfit Chesterfield are plotting a move for Rangers forward Josh McPake before the end of the January transfer window.
The Spireites currently sit third in the standings but are ten points adrift of second placed Notts County as Wrexham lead the way for the Vanarama title this term.
Boss Paul Cook has identified McPake as the man to give their promotion push another boost in the second half of the campaign as he attempts to secure a play-off spot in the coming months.
And Rangers won't stand in the 21-year-old's way as they look to offload McPake as part of the remodelling of the squad under new boss Michael Beale that has already seen midfielder Charlie McCann head for the exit door and secure a switch to Forest Green Rovers.
McPake was tipped for a bright future at Ibrox when he emerged through the Auchenhowie youth ranks as a talented teenager and he made several loan moves in an attempt to gain vital first team experience.
Spells at Dundee, Morton and Harrogate Town were followed by a new three-year deal in 2021 and he has since spent time with Morecambe and Tranmere Rovers after finding his route to Ibrox blocked in recent campaigns.
McPake has enjoyed a productive stint in the Championship with Queen's Park this term and four goals in 22 appearances have helped put the Spiders in the driving seat to clinch a place in the Premiership next season.
A return south of the border could now be on the cards, though, as Chesterfield eye a deal for the former Scotland youth international that would bring a permanent end to McPake's association with Rangers.
The striker made his Ibrox debut under Steven Gerrard as he came off the bench during the Europa League qualifying victory over St Joseph's in 2019 but failed to hold down a regular squad berth as his dreams of becoming a first team star gradually faded.
Rangers are keen to move McPake on before the close of business if they can and Derbyshire could be his next destination in the game if Chesterfield can strike a deal to add the youngster to Cook's squad in the coming days.
