George Overhill

Tue 31 January 2023 15:30, UK

Josh McPake will not be making a permanent Rangers exit in this window but is “likely” to do so in the summer, the Scottish Sun reports.

Football Scotland’s Mark Hendry had reported via Twitter on 27 January that the Light Blues were looking to shed the 21-year-old from the wage bill, with Northern Irish side Larne preparing to take advantage in a permanent move.

But it appears the serial loanee will remain as such for the rest of the campaign by staying at Queens Park, before likely moving on for good in the summer.

Currently on his sixth temporary move away from Ibrox the attacker is expected to assess his future in the summer, with it considered “likely” that he will “relaunch his career elsewhere” in June.

Soon

It seems like only a matter of time before McPake moves on, with just a single first team appearance, and with Football Scotland [19 January] reporting that he is a high earner for his age, the writing is on the wall.

Michael Beale is looking to add in wide areas with his pursuit of Morgan Whittaker, which appears to be struggling for success before the transfer deadline.

So if he had an eye on bringing the current Gers youngster into the fold he could have recalled him from his loan.

With Ianis Hagi back from injury and Todd Cantwell signed this month, plus Alex Lowry at the top of the pecking order in terms of youngsters, there doesn’t look to be a viable route for progression for McPake.

In that sense it would have probably made sense to get a deal sorted out this month, but if he is earning enough for Rangers to want to get him off the wage bill he might be out of Larne’s price range in the NIFL Premiership.

So it isn’t on the cards this month but definitely looks to be in the summer.

In other Rangers news, a crucial January deal has been secured at the end of the window.