Glasgow Rangers have reportedly made an approach to bring Algerian midfielder Ahmed Kendouci to Ibrox ahead of the January transfer window.

What's the word?

According to journalist Mark McDougall, the Scottish outfit are believed to have begun talks regarding a potential loan move for the 23-year-old next month, with the Old Firm outfit - as well as rivals Celtic - having previously been linked with the ES Setif star earlier this year.

Writing on Twitter about this latest interest, the transfer insider stated:

"EXCLUSIVE: Rangers have made contact over the signing of Ahmed Kendouci in January. Want an initial loan deal. 23-year-old midfielder."

In his attached piece for Football Scotland, McDougall reveals that while the player's current side would prefer a permanent exit in the New Year, there is seemingly confidence that a deal can be struck to bring the playmaker to Glasgow.

The report does add, however, that negotiations are currently at a 'very early stage', while Michael Beale's side are also said to face competition from clubs across Europe for the 5 foot 11 gem's signature.

An ideal Kamara upgrade

The Light Blues' search comes amid continued speculation regarding the future of Glen Kamara at Ibrox, with reports in Denmark suggesting that the former Dundee man could be on his way to FC Copenhagen during the winter window.

While the 27-year-old still has two-and-a-half years left to run on his existing deal, the Finland international has seemingly been destined for an exit in recent months, having previously seen a move to Ligue 1 outfit Nice collapse late in the day during the summer.

The one-time Arsenal man subsequently struggled to regain his place in Giovanni van Bronckhorst's side having made just seven starts in all competitions so far this term, amid reports of an alleged bust-up with the Dutchman following the last league outing against St Mirren.

Although the £21k-per-week man could enjoy a change in fortunes with the aforementioned Beale at the helm, his recent form when he has featured has arguably not been up to scratch, with just a solitary assist to his name this season.

As such, turning to Kendouci could well prove to be an ideal fit to replace Kamara in the side, with the fleet-footed ace able to provide greater attacking threat and creativity in the centre of the park, something the Gers are seemingly lacking at present - as the report above noted.

The £1m-rated man has scored 22 goals and laid on 19 assists in 107 games in all competitions for his current side to date, having typically lined up in a central midfield role in that time, or at left-back on occasion.

Although he may well be something of an unknown quantity for most outside of Algeria, the "elegant, versatile and technically gifted" gem - as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig - has been on the receiving end of notable praise in recent times, having been described as the "complete midfielder", in the words of Kulig.

Such an addition would no doubt ease the fears regarding the potential loss of Kamara, particularly with the latter man having rarely provided a goal threat during his time at the club, scoring just eight times and registering only 11 assists in 174 appearances.

The evidence would suggest that Kendouci can improve upon that tally and emerge as something of an upgrade on the current Rangers man.