Rangers will be looking to get a number of deals done on transfer deadline day as the clock ticks towards the midnight closure in Scotland.
Michael Beale said he wanted a number of players in at the start of the window who would be starters for his side as he looks to close the nine point gap to Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership. Norwich City playmaker Todd Cantwell is the only player to put pen on paper so far this window at Ibrox, but Beale will be hoping to add at least one more before the window slams shut later this evening.
Gers fans will be getting excited about potential incomings, but the majority of business in Govan could be the outgoings with Beale looking to get a number of fringe players out the building for the rest of the season. While the potential signing of Swansea City winger Morgan Whittaker did not materialise Beale will be looking elsewhere to strengthen his squad.
Here at Record Sport we have looked at the current picture facing the club:
Leon King
The 19-year-old hasn't featured as regularly in recent months and there was speculation he could be sent on loan to get some game time. It has been reported that clubs in England and Scotland are interested in the defender which could give him some valuable minutes for his development. The club appear unwilling to let him depart this month.
Nicolas Raskin
The Belgian midfielder is almost in the door at Ibrox and could be Michael Beale's second signing since being appointed Rangers manager at the end of last year. It is a deal that has rumbled on over the course of the month with a number of clubs believed to be interested in the Standard Liege player. The deal for Raskin is believed to be worth around £1.75million with the Jupiler Pro League side getting a 20 per cent sell-on clause in his contract.
Raskin flew into Edinburgh Airport on Monday afternoon and was taken to the Rangers training centre to iron out the detail of a move from Ronny Deila's side.
Alex Lowry
Micheal Beale hinted that Alex Lowry could be heading for the exit door in terms of a loan during this window in order for him to get some game time. He admitted Lowry would be given opportunities if he remained at Ibrox but said if the loan is right then he should be allowed to leave.
Beale added: "If he stays, he will be given opportunities. If the right loan was to come, [given] our relationship, you’re guaranteed to be here pre-season to fight to play next season. If in the interim, we find the right loan and you really fancy it, OK no problem. But go and play to come back here. Don’t go to play there. If you’re going to stay in, then you need to continue fighting and showing that every day."
James Sands
The New York City loanee could be heading back stateside after Beale hinted it was make or break time for the defender. Rangers would have to stump up around £4million for his services going forward but it looks as if they won't be taking up that offer from the MLS club.
Speaking his a press conference, Beale said: "We’ve got a couple of loan players and we’ve got to make a decision on whether we want to retain them longer-term. If we don’t maybe there will be an opportunity for them to go back as well. I want players who are going to be here for the long-term and can compete right now to make us stronger but also for the long-term too."
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