The January transfer window is officially open for business and Glasgow Rangers could be active throughout the month in order to improve Michael Beale's squad.

They are currently nine points off the top of the Premiership table and they could use the market to bolster their chances of closing the gap and securing the title at the end of the campaign.

It is Beale's first opportunity to bring in his own players after he replaced Giovanni van Bronckhorst in the dugout at Ibrox and he could strike instant gold with one gem who is said to be of interest to the club.

The Daily Mail recently reported that the Light Blues are eyeing up a potential swoop to sign England U21 international James Trafford from Premier League champions Manchester City.

He is currently on loan at Bolton in the third tier of English football but the report claims that the Scottish side are looking at him with a view to the January transfer window, although it remains to be seen whether or not they will need to wait until the summer to complete a deal.

Irrespective of whether he arrives this month or ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, Trafford could be a golden signing for the Gers as his form this term indicates that he would be an upgrade on current number one Allan McGregor.

Bolton reporter Marc Iles claimed that the shot-stopper is "flying" this season and claimed that the young colossus is "destined for the top" based on his performances for the English club.

Trafford has averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.02 across 23 appearances in League One and has saved 73% of the shots on his goal, whilst keeping ten clean sheets for his side.

Interestingly, the 20-year-old has also registered three assists in the third tier since the start of last season - picking up two assists on loan at Bolton in 2021/22 - and this suggests that he could provide excellent distribution out from the back.

McGregor, meanwhile, has averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.73 and has a save percentage of 59%, whilst only completing 18% of his passes into the opposition half, in the Premiership this term - keeping four clean sheets in 12 outings.

The Rangers veteran, who is 20 years older than Trafford, has failed to consistently deliver quality displays and his statistics show that he has been far from impressive in terms of his shot-stopping and his distribution in comparison to the Bolton loanee's displays.

Therefore, the Manchester City youngster could be an excellent addition to Beale's side if he is able to translate his form for Bolton over to the Premiership and the head coach would be striking gold by bringing him in, in January or in the summer.