A key Rangers transfer claim has been made, regarding Gio van Bronckhorst's efforts to land his first Ibrox signing...

What's the talk?

According to the Glasgow Times, New York City FC midfielder James Sands has agreed terms with the Gers and is now set to join on an initial 18-month loan.

The report claims that Rangers will be able to make the switch permanent at the end of the 2022/23 campaign, although the potential fee has not been revealed.

Delight

Rangers fans will surely be delighted with this update as it appears to suggest that the club are inching closer towards their first signing of the window. It shows that the player, most importantly, is on-board with the move and is ready to complete his switch to Scotland in the coming days.

This means that the Gers will not be facing any issues in regards to convincing Sands to join them, showing the supporters that he is eager to make it happen. Supporters know that he is keen on the transfer and is not just coming to Ibrox for a payday, which they may appreciate.

They will also be buzzing as he could be an excellent signing for the squad. He is a versatile player who van Bronckhort could look to use in a multitude of roles, as he is capable of playing right-back, centre-back, holding midfield and as a central midfielder. This means that he can plug gaps when needed and be a useful option for the boss to call upon.

In the MLS this season, he has averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.91 whilst playing at right-back and in holding midfield for New York City FC. His most recent performance was an impressive showing against Portland Timbers, as he recorded a score of 7.7 in midfield.

As per SofaScore, he won 90% of his ground duels (9/10) and completed six tackles, two interceptions and six clearances, whilst also creating one chance and taking 116 touches of the ball.

Although this was in an MLS match and it is difficult to gauge the difference in quality between that division and the Premiership, these statistics provide an insight into the type of player Rangers are set to land.

He appears to be a tough-tackling midfielder who works hard for the team on the defensive side of the game whilst also wanting to get on the ball to make things happen.

AND in other news, Bye-bye Goldson: GvB may seal dream 1st Rangers signing in gem who "makes no mistakes"...