An update has emerged on Glasgow Rangers and their chances of landing a new number nine in the January transfer window...

What's the talk?

According to the Daily Record, the Light Blues have 'maintained' a long-term interest in signing Scotland international Ross Stewart from Sunderland.

The report, however, claims that the Gers do not have the funds required to do a deal before the current window slams shut, which could force them to wait until the summer to act upon their interest.

Football Insider reported, last month, that the Championship side value the centre-forward at a whopping £10m, as they have an option to extend his current contract through to the summer of 2024.

Alfredo Morelos successor

Not being able to pursue a deal for Stewart until the end of the season could turn out to be perfect timing for Rangers as that is when their current striker's contract expires.

Alfredo Morelos' deal is due to end in the upcoming summer window and his departure would leave a huge gap in the squad at the top end of the pitch

The Colombian international has racked up 119 goals in 252 matches in all competitions for the Gers, which shows that the gem has been a reliable goalscorer for the club over a considerable period of time.

Morelos has scored seven goals in 19 Premiership appearances this season and Stewart could come in ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, if Rangers have the funds to compete for his signature by then, as a dream successor as the Scotsman could replace Michael Beale's current forward.

His current teammate Alex Pritchard once lauded the gem's talent and what the forward offers to the team, saying:

"[Stewart] is unbelievable. The size of him, on the ball, he can run, he can hold the ball up, he's good with his feet. He's got everything. He’s great in the air. Holds the ball up and he gets in behind and you see in the semi-finals – the goal he got in behind and he’s so quick. And he’s been a revelation this year for us.”

These comments are backed up by Stewart's impressive form over the last two seasons. The 26-year-old plundered 26 goals in 49 League One outings last term and has followed that up by scoring ten goals and assisting three for his teammates in 11 Championship starts for the Black Cats in the current campaign.

Stewart, who already has Premiership experience from his time at Ross County, has proven himself to be a prolific scorer in the third and second tier of English football and this indicates that the marksman could be an excellent signing for Rangers if they bring him in to replace the out-of-contract Morelos, who has been far from prolific this season.

Couple his impressive form for Sunderland with the fact that he is a Scotland international and already knows the division and the country and that is why the forward would be a dream successor to the Colombian finisher.