Sources: Rangers make Badredine Bouanani transfer decision
Rangers will delay a decision over Badredine Bouanani's future until nearer the end of the season, sources have told Football Insider.
The 21-year-old has endured a frustrating start to life at Ibrox, but things could be set to turn around after he started and scored during the 2-2 draw at Dundee on Saturday.
Concerns had grown amongst the supporters, and at his parent club Stuttgart, about his lack of playing time shortly following his arrival in Derek McInnes' side.
However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Bouanani will play a key role for Rangers this season and is still highly thought of.
Having now scored his first goal for the club, he is being backed to earn a bigger role in McInnes' plans, with his performances in training having impressed the boss.
Rangers, however, are keen not to rush into a decision about triggering his £15.5million option to buy regardless of his recent impact or lingering concerns about his playing time.
Could Badredine Bouanani join Rangers permanently?
Football Insider revealed on 16 October that Bouanani was fighting for his first-team role at Rangers, with his lack of minutes down to some quality competition for places.
The 21-year-old has started just two games since his late switch to Ibrox from Stuttgart in the summer, but finally made his mark on the starting XI with his most recent display.
Bouanani has now proven he can play an important role under McInnes, and the club are prepared to assess his performances until closer to 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 right now.
"He's going to need time to adapt to a new league, new teammates, new surroundings and everything else, but Rangers believe he will be able to play a role for them.
"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.
"So look I don't think there'll be any knee-jerk reactions that he's not been getting opportunities, because he will be given a chance to impress.
"Rangers will have time before they have to make a decision whether they want to make a potential loan a permanent deal come the summer, but until then, they will assess his performances."
What do Rangers have planned for the January window?
Rangers are now planning to assess Bouanani's position at the end of the season rather than in January, but preparations are still being put in place for the mid-season window.
McInnes is believed to be happy with his squad as things stand after a £35million outlay in the summer transfer window, when he oversaw deals for 14 incoming players.
However, Football Insider revealed on 16 October that Rangers could be forced into the transfer market by unexpected development in the next couple of months.
Any injuries, dramatics collapses in form, or potential interest from elsewhere in their key players could force the club to spend big in January.
While there are currently no plans for another busy window under McInnes, Rangers are prepared to spend if they have to, and will not ignore opportunities to improve.