A key claim has been made on Rangers boss Gio van Bronckhorst ahead of the January transfer window as he aims to improve his squad at Ibrox.

What's the talk?

Journalist Stuart Hodge has claimed that Joey Veerman could be one of the players the Dutch head coach looks to in January as he backs him to shop in markets he is familiar with.

He told GIVEMESPORT:

"In terms of where van Bronckhorst will look to strengthen his squad, you can maybe stick the Netherlands and Belgium together in that regard.

"Van Bronckhorst will know those markets and he will know the players he wants. Joey could be one of those."

Axe dud

The signing of Veerman, or another midfielder from Belgium or the Netherlands, could allow the 46-year-old to finally axe Steven Davis from the club. His contract is up at the end of the season and bringing in another player in his position could result in him being jettisoned from the squad altogether.

Rangers could either cash in on him in January, if any clubs want to bring him in, or simply keep him around before letting his deal expire next summer. Van Bronckhorst would not have to worry about losing depth in the middle of the park as Veerman would take up his space in the team and mean that the veteran is not overly missed at Ibrox beyond sentimental reasons.

Former Gers boss Steven Gerrard was a fan of the midfielder, saying earlier this season: “Steven embodies professionalism and continues to set the standards required to be a Rangers player. He has been instrumental this year, playing a key role in our league success. Steven is low-maintenance and has much more to give our team, not only for the rest of this season but beyond."

Acclaim has also come from pundit Noel Whelan this term who went as far as to describe the former Southampton midfielder as a "Rangers legend."

Howvever, van Bronckhorst has only handed him minutes in three of his eight matches so far, starting against Sparta Prague and Livingston and coming off the bench against Lyon. This suggests that he does not see the Nothern Ireland international as a regular starter, which could open the door to him leaving at the end of his contract.

Hodge's suggestion that Veerman may be in a target in January could be the final nail in the coffin for Davis, with the Heerenveen gem potentially coming in as his replacement.

Dubbed "perfect" by former Gers man Michael Mols, it's clear to see why the £3.1k-per-week midfielder could result in the 36-year-old Gers dud being axed.

AND in other news,  GVB set for major Rangers boost "this week", fans will surely be buzzing...