Rangers opening new Ianis Hagi talks after contract wrangle - sources

Rangers are set to enter new contract talks with Ianis Hagi in the weeks following the January transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O'Rourke revealed that the 26-year-old was expected to leave in the summer but a "contract wrangle" got in the way of his exit.

Now, he has worked his way back into Philippe Clement's plans and has established himself as a valuable option despite having been cast aside at the start of the season.

The attacking midfielder's current deal at Ibrox is set to expire at the end of the season, but Rangers are determined not to lose him for free.

Football Insider reported on 18 September that the midfielder had a wage-increase clause in his contract which played a part in his initial expulsion from the squad.

Given the club's difficult ongoing financial situation, that left them in a tricky position, but a compromise was later reached which allowed him to return to the first team.

Ianis Hagi frozen out at Rangers before change of heart

Hagi spent a large spell at the start of the season training and playing for the Rangers B team and it looked like his time at Ibrox was coming to an end.

Since returning to Clement's side, though, he has made 17 appearances for the senior side and has picked up three goals and give assists in 15 SPFL games.

That form had attracted interest from a number of clubs during the January transfer window, and that interest is said to have lingered with the possibility of a free transfer on the cards.

However, given the financial situation at Ibrox and the money it would take to bring in an adequate replacement, Rangers are determined not to lose him for free.

This comes after the manager confirmed that negotiations about a new contract have already begun.

Multiple clubs worked on Cyriel Dessers deal in January

Another player who was heavily linked with a move away from Ibrox in the January transfer window was Cyriel Dessers, amid speculation the club could be willing to sell.

Football Insider revealed on 7 February that multiple European clubs had worked on a potential deal for the 30-year-old, but were unable to reach an agreement.

The striker's departure would have allowed Clement's side to reinvest the money on new incoming signings during the January transfer window.

As a result, many expected him to move on, but the deal would have had to suit all parties as Rangers held out for a "major offer" which never arrived.

For more Rangers and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.