According to The Manchester Evening News, Glasgow Rangers have been beaten to the signing of former Manchester United starlet Dion McGhee.

What's the word?

McGhee will sign for Europa League rivals Braga in the January transfer window despite finding himself on Rangers' radar amid interest from a host of clubs across Europe including Antwerp and Derby County.

Rangers were believed to be keen on landing the left-winger and retained their interest in the free agent after he was released by his boyhood club in the summer.

However, it seems like his future lies elsewhere, which means Steven Gerrard may be forced to dip back into the transfer market to find suitable options out wide.

Perhaps this move will work out for all parties, as it's hard to imagine he'd get opportunities to play under Gerrard and his development may have stalled if he had committed his future to the club.

Give Glenn Middleton a go

It's fair to say that Rangers have a wealth of riches on the wings, with Ianis Hagi on one flank and the ever-reliable Ryan Kent on the other, and then Brandon Barker, Jordan Jones and Glenn Middleton making up the rest of the numbers.

Gerrard has given the green light for Middleton to leave Ibrox on loan and move abroad to continue his development as a player, having made just one appearance as a substitute for the Light Blues this season so far.

But the Ibrox boss may want to reconsider his somewhat hasty decision, and he really ought to be more inclined to do so after this fresh transfer blow.

Rather than splashing the cash on a panic buy, this is where he can bring Middleton back into the fold. In a similar way to Calvin Bassey, Gerrard can transform the 21-year-old into a player who is capable of playing in multiple positions. He has already shown signs of doing precisely just that after he handed him a rare start at left-back during the 4-0 victory over Falkirk in the Betfred Cup.

Just like new summer recruit Kemar Roofe, his versatility could be an added bonus as the Gers bid to stop Celtic from winning ten in a row.

Scotland U21 boss Scot Gemmil has heaped praise on his young charge and said: “I had a meeting with Glenn on Thursday and I was so impressed with him because he’s having to deal with a lot. But I tell you I spoke to a young man who is more determined than ever, more resilient than ever and more motivated than ever to keep going.

“He’s not where he wants to be right now, but I am very confident he is handling the situation in a mature way. He’s very frustrated, but only because he wants to play football.

“We have got a really good young player who we are all trying to help maximise his potential. If we can help him do that, then that’s brilliant because Glenn has rewarded us with some great performances from Under 15s upwards. It’s great he’s still involved with us."

Blocking a loan exit should be the next step for the Light Blues boss, as it would be wise to incorporate him into his first-team plans, especially with the amount of games Hagi and Kent have played between them this season. It's about time he put his faith in the youth system, that's for sure.

AND in other news, Glasgow Rangers must swoop now for Everton outcast who is unwanted...