The January transfer window is now open for business and Michael Beale has his first chance to stamp his own mark on the Glasgow Rangers squad.

Ross Wilson brought the English head coach in to replace Giovanni van Bronckhorst, who was axed during the break for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and could back his new man by providing funds for new signings this month.

The Light Blues remain nine points off the top of the Premiership table after their 2-2 draw in the Old Firm derby on Monday and bringing in fresh faces could help their push for the title during the second half of the campaign.

One player who could improve the squad and provide Beale with a big boost is Hibernian star Ryan Porteous as the club are reportedly keen on a deal for the 23-year-old.

The Sun's Alan Nixon claimed that he had "heard" about interest from the Gers in the central defender, who is out of contract at the end of the current campaign.

Hibernian have already released a statement to confirm that the Scotland international will not be putting pen to paper on fresh terms with the club and this means that Rangers could snap him up for a cut-price deal this month or on a free transfer in the summer.

Porteous, who former Hibs player John Hughes described as a "heart-on-sleeve, full-blooded type of player", could be an immediate upgrade on current Light Blues centre-back Ben Davies if he arrives at Ibrox this year.

Since joining from Liverpool in the summer, Davies has averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.94 across 13 appearances in the Premiership for Rangers.

He has made 1.2 tackles and interceptions per match and won 67% of his individual duels, whilst also completing 85% of his attempted passes.

The ex-Preston North End enforcer has been a solid addition to the side and a reliable performer at the back but Porteous' form in the Scottish top-flight indicates that he could be a step above the Englishman.

In the Premiership this season, the Hibs warrior has averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.26 and made 2.2 tackles and interceptions per game whilst winning 66% of his battles and completing 79% of his attempted passes.

These statistics indicate that Porteous would offer more in terms of the quality of his performances and his defensive contributions than Davies, although he may not be as reliable with the ball at his feet.

He is also four years younger than the ex-Liverpool man and this means that he would be a longer-term signing for the club and someone Beale could work with to improve his game on the training pitch.