Sources: Badredine Bouanani faces new Rangers 'problem' as transfer plan revealed

Badredine Bouanani's minutes are set to remain limited after a slow start to his time at Rangers, sources have told Football Insider.

The 21-year-old has started just one game since his late switch to Ibrox from Stuttgart in the summer, leading to question marks about his role in the side under Derek McInnes.

While his absence is said to be due to the form of his teammates rather than any judegement on his quality, questions have been asked about his long-term future in Glasgow.

However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Rangers remain open to the possibility of making Bouanani's loan move permanent.

The Algeria international's loan move contains a £15.5million option to buy at the end of the season, and despite his slow start, Rangers will not rush into any decision.

A decision about Bouanani's future is not expected to be made until later in the season, but there is a belief he will receive am increase in playing time before then.

Why has Badredine Bouanani struggled at Rangers?

Bouanani has struggled to make an impact on this Rangers side in his limited minutes from the bench, but there are said to be no major concerns about his place in the squad.

He joined Rangers late on transfer deadline day, and therefore has had little time to make an impression on McInnes after rivals in his position were already established.

However, the club worked hard to land him on loan during the summer and there is still a feeling he will have a big role to play between now and the end of the season.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "I don't think there's any rush for Rangers to make a decision on Bouanani's long-term future right now as well.

"He was a late arrival, one of the last signings Rangers brought in before the deadline in the Scottish Premeirship, so he's going to need time.

"It's a a new league, new teammates, new surroundings and everything else as well so they will give him time to adapt and get used to how things work at Rangers.

"The problem for Bouanani right now, since he's arrived, is that Rangers have found a bit of form so it's been difficult to break into Derek McInnes' side right now.

"I’m sure he will get opportunities throughout the season and Rangers are going to need him if they are to maintain their push to try and win the Scottish Premier League title."

Which other Rangers signings have made headlines?

Bouanani isn't the only player making headlines after arriving at Ibrox in the summer, although the speculation surrounding other stars' futures has come in a different sense.

While there is speculation about whether Rangers will decide to keep Bouanani, there are doubts about whether they will be able to hang on to another of their new stars.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 15 October that Rangers are doing everything in their power to keep Olwethu Makhanya at the club.

The 22-year-old has been outstanding under McInnes since his £3million move from MLS outfit Philadelphia Union, and is already being tipped for a move away.

His performances have attracted suitors from across Europe, with scouts frequently in attendence at Ibrox to track his progress just months into his career in Scotland.