Gijs Smal Rangers transfer 'approach' made as Twente contract stalemate offers January route to Ibrox

Rangers have made an approach to FC Twente in a bid to land left-back Gjis Smal this month, according to a report.

The Ibrox side have big decisions to make in that area of the backline with Borna Barisic and Ridvan Yilmaz facing uncertain futures. The experienced Croat will see his Rangers contract come to an end in the summer while the Turkish international has been touted for moves to Galatasaray and Hellas Verona already this month after struggling to find top form in the Scottish Premiership.

However, Philippe Clement has made it clear that neither left-back will be allowed to leave this month if a suitable replacement is not found - with the League Cup winners fighting in Premiership, Scottish Cup and Europa League at this stage of the campaign. But Twente's 26-year-old could offer a solution as he approaches the end of his contract with the Eredivise outfit.

Smal has been offered a new contract by Twente but Dutch outlet Voetbal International report that Smal is not planning to sign the multi-year contract which could spark a January sale. It is stated that Rangers have made an approach and "registered" an interest in a January deal.

Smal - nicknamed 'Smaldini' in his homeland for his similarities to legendary Italian full back Paolo Maldini - signed for Twente three years ago on a free transfer from Volendam. He has faced an injury-hit campaign this term - but last season had more assists than anyone in the Dutch top flight.