Rangers are set to secure a deal for Nottingham Forest defender Joe Worrall before the Old Firm derby this weekend, The Daily Mail reports.

What's the word?

Steven Gerrard has hit the ground running in his managerial career with Rangers, standing unbeaten after the first few challenges of his tenure at Ibrox - but a considerably tougher test awaits this weekend in the Old Firm derby.

The Liverpool icon is set to lock horns with his former Reds boss Brendan Rodgers as Celtic go toe-to-toe with Rangers and Gerrard could hand a new defender a debut, as he is closing in on his 13th signing of the summer.

According to The Daily Mail, Joe Worrall is set to arrive from Nottingham Forest on loan before Friday's transfer deadline and could, therefore, immediately slip straight into the first-team picture after Gerrard assured Forest boss Aitor Karanka the 21-year-old would have plenty of playing time.

What can he bring?

Despite his young age, Worrall has earned plenty of first-team experience in the Championship with Nottingham Forest, making over 50 league appearances, and is seeking a move after plummeting down the club's pecking order following Karanka's summer activity.

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The England U21 international has been eyed by Gerrard for a number of weeks and will provide some much-needed depth at the heart of the defence, a position that could be left exposed over the course of the season - especially if Rangers continue their charge in the Europa League.

Having captained the England U20 side that won the prestigious Toulon Tournament in 2017, Worrall's leadership qualities at the back will be a fine asset to fight Nikola Katic and Connor Goldson for starting opportunities at the club.

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