RANGERS are hopeful of finalising a deal to make Matt Polster, the Chicago Fire midfielder, their third immediate signing of the January transfer window, and have confirmed that on-loan defender Joe Worrall will be remaining at the club for the remainder of the season. Polster, a 25-year-old USA international who is out of contract with the MLS, made a positive impression on his trial stint with the club in Tenerife and Steven Gerrard have informed the player’s agent that they are keen to agree a permanent deal. The Englishman, who played against him during his season at LA Galaxy, feels Polster – who can also play at the back - has what it takes to improve the Ibrox side’s first team. To date, the club have tempted veteran duo Steven Davis and Jermain Defoe to the club during January, and have secured the signatures of Kilmarnock’s Jordan Jones and Dundee’s Glen Kamara on pre-contract agreements.
“We’re in talks with his agent,” said Gerrard. “We haven’t got it over the line just yet. But we’ve told his advisers that we’d like him to come. If we do, it would be a long-term deal.
“I know him well from the MLS,” the Englishman added. “He’s a player who I can play in numerous positions. He’s a good professional, he’s in good shape, and I think he’s got the potential to be a first-team player here at Rangers if the financials work.
"He’s one that could be interesting for the future. There may be one more [after that] but don’t be surprised if there’s not either.”
Gerrard is relieved to retain the services of Worrall amid speculation that Nottingham Forest, now under the management of Martin O’Neill, were keen to recall a player who shone during last month's Old Firm victory against Celtic.
“Joe’s here for the rest of the season,” said the Rangers manager. “Joe is still a baby, a great kid who has done exceptionally well. He is someone who will give whatever he can for our supporters and has been growing and growing.
“I am delighted to have him and really, really happy we’ve got him until the end of the season. It would have been a problem for us if Forest had called him back.”
While Gerrard dampened speculation linking the club with Derby County’s Craig Bryson and Liverpool’s Adam Lallana, one player who could be moving out on loan is Jordan Rossiter, with Dundee United credited with an interest.
“I’ve had a chat with Jordan and told him I could be selfish and keep him here as a squad player, but I don’t think that’s what he needs at this stage in his
career. We’ll respect him if the right club comes and we’ll give him the opportunity to get regular football because I think it will be good for him.”
Dundee manager Jim McIntyre said both he and Kamara would rather the midfielder “went just now” to Rangers rather than wait until the summer.
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