By Fraser Fletcher, Transfer Correspondent

18th Feb, 2023 | 11:34am

Sources: Rangers not now expected to sign James Sands as other targets a priority

Rangers are not expected to convert James Sands’ loan into a permanent transfer, sources have told Football Insider.

It is believed that there have been no discussions up to now between the Glasgow giants and the USA international, 22, about making his deal a full-time one at the end of the season.

It has been widely reported that the buy option in Sands’ loan will cost £4million to activate.

Rangers have room for manoeuvre if Sands delivers a series of convincing performances in the final months of the campaign.

But a permanent deal would require what is, by the club’s standards, a huge outlay and one they would need to be convinced about paying.

It would also mean Rangers moving away from other targets and, as things stand, that is not expected to be the case.

The likely scenario is the that the versatile American, who can operate in his favourite defensive midfield role as well as at centre-back, will return to the States in the summer.

He joined Rangers at the start of January 2022 on an 18-month loan from New York City and has made 40 appearances for the club in total.

That includes 26 in the current campaign, with 20 of those coming in the starting XI and contributing to 1768 minutes of action.

That tally is bettered at the club by only nine players this term and is more than the likes of Alfredo Morelos, Ryan Jack and Glen Kamara.

In other news, Rangers set sights on signing 15 PL-app striker with 12 goals this season.