There has been a development regarding the future of Rangers loanee James Sands...

What's the word?

In an interview with Four Lads Had a Dream, the 22-year-old has suggested he would be incredibly keen on securing a permanent deal at Ibrox, having only joined the club on an 18-month loan move in January.

Asked whether he would be interested in securing a long-term stay with the Old Firm giants, the United States international replied: “Obviously I would love it! It’s a big club you know and anybody would be lucky to play here. A little bit is out of your hands, you have to be performing and playing well to earn that opportunity.

“As I said a lot of it is out with my control so I’m just going to focus on playing football and doing my best.”

Reports in the USA have suggested that the Premiership club have an option-to-buy fee of around $6m (£5m) with New York City FC which can be triggered if the versatile gem manages to impress Giovanni van Bronckhorst and co.

Van Bronckhorst loves him

Although the seven-cap American made just 14 appearances in all competitions last term - only seven of which came from the start - he is clearly a player that the Gers boss likes, having even been thrust into action in the latter stages of the Europa League final defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt in May.

While he made just seven league outings in that time, the defensive midfielder - who can also slot in at centre-back - impressed when he was handed a chance. He averaged a solid 1.3 tackles, 1.1 clearances and 0.9 interceptions per game, along with recording an 89% pass accuracy rate, losing possession just 6.9 times per match.

Although the 22-year-old's impact was brief, former Fulham and Crystal Palace defender Matt Lawrence has suggested that the £2.7m-rated ace could well be ready to kick on after being eased in during that initial six-month stint.

He also hinted that it looks as if Sands could well have already caught the eye of his new manager, saying: “He obviously must have done something to gain van Bronckhorst’s trust as I saw there were times when he changed the system to a back three and put James in there.”

Having such a flexible asset in tow is surely a dream for any manager, with the 6 foot 1 brute's adaptability making him the type of player who can quickly become a key figure in the squad, particularly ahead of a gruelling campaign - both in Europe and domestically - which will test the club's depth to the full.

Despite the considerable fee that it could cost to make his move permanent, it would be no surprise if the New York native - whose talent has been described as "scary" by Roberto Abramowitz - does end up being signed by Ibrox sporting director Ross Wilson for the long haul.

AND in other news, "Had contact..": Journalist drops "unlikely" Rangers transfer claim that'll delight Van Bronckhorst...