With a few hours to go before the January transfer window closes, Glasgow Rangers remain locked in talks with Derby County over the loan transfer of George Edmundson.

What's the word?

That's according to Football Insider, who claim Rangers are only willing to allow Edmundson to leave Ibrox on a temporary basis providing they can sign Jack Simpson from Bournemouth permanently before the transfer market shuts its doors tomorrow.

The 23-year-old has emerged as a surprising candidate to provide cover and competition for the likes of Matt Clarke, Curtis Davies and Lee Buchanan, having been restricted to just one appearance in the Europa League this season.

The report adds that Edmundson has been subject to interest from clubs south of the border after falling out of favour with boss Steven Gerrard for breaching Covid-19 regulations with his teammate Jordan Jones.

Last chance saloon?

It sounds almost obvious but it makes no sense for a top team like Rangers to have a prospect sat idle for the rest of the season, especially when you consider their strength in depth.

Last summer, the Light Blues added veteran centre-back Leon Balogun as emergency cover for Nikola Katic, which took their central defensive options up to five: Connor Goldson, Balogun, Edmundson, Filip Helander and the injured Katic. Of course, that's without even mentioning Calvin Bassey, who can also play that role if required.

With only two spots up for grabs, Edmundson's chances of breaking up the Goldson-Balogun-Helander triangle - central to Rangers' success this season thus far - are slim.

On his day, his ability is unquestionable, as the former Oldham man has shown glimpses of his obvious talent and vast potential, with Gerrard hailing his "faultless" performance following his long-awaited league debut for Rangers two years ago.

It has been a frustrating season so far for Edmundson at Ibrox but a loan stint with Wayne Rooney's side would present him with  the chance to start afresh and rediscover the form that saw him named in the EFL League Two of the 2018-19 season.

AND in other news, Rangers handed Wigan Athletic striker Kyle Joseph transfer blow after injury update...