Danny Armstrong pre-contract deal ready after Rangers transfer talk

Rangers-linked Danny Armstrong could sign for Hearts on a pre-contract deal, according to the Scottish Sun.

The report from the outlet claims that Neil Critchley is keen to bring the Kilmarnock winger to Tynecastle with the player free to negotiate with other clubs from 1 January.

It also mentions that the 27-year-old was a target for Rangers but nothing came of any potential interest from Philippe Clement's side.

Rangers need reinforcements in January

The Light Blues will need to dip into the January transfer market for attacking reinforcements to strengthen Clement's squad as they try to mount an unlikely title and Europa League challenge.

The Gers are currently second in the Scottish Premiership, 12 points behind arch-rivals Celtic after 17 matches after a very disappointing start to the season that has left the Belgian under severe pressure.

A potential return to the title race was stopped in its tracks by a last-gasp defeat at St Mirren on Boxing Day (26 December) but in truth it was always unlikely anyway given the team's struggles in front of goal.

Clement's side have scored 29 goals in the league, 19 less than the league leaders' 48 strikes and two less than third-place Aberdeen, who have 31 strikes.

The lack of goals is worrying, with only Vaclav Cerny and outcast Cyriel Dessers notching over five goals in the Scottish top-flight for the Gers.

Armstrong may not be the answer, he has failed to score in 17 league games and has assisted four times in 17 so far this season.

His long-term form does give more encouragement though, he has notched 32 goal contributions in 75 matches in the two previous seasons, so the Gers may regret it if they miss out on his signature.

In other Rangers news, Derek Ferguson has told Clement what must happen to avoid the sack.

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