Sources: Rangers plan to trigger James Penrice buy option after what he did vs Celtic

Rangers are planning to make James Penrice's loan move from AEK Athens permanent next summer, sources have told Football Insider.

The 27-year-old has enjoyed a strong start to life at Ibrox and established himself as a crucial part of Derek McInnes' squad since joining on loan last month.

After an outstanding performance in the 3-0 win against Celtic last weekend, Rangers are keen to keep the left-back around, and plans are now being put in place.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Rangers hope Penrice will stay long-term and are already looking towards triggering his buy option.

The Ibrox club made sure to include an option to buy in their deal for the former Hearts star, with a view to him becoming a key part of the squad for the long-term future.

Penrice has also shown his versatility, moving into a midfield role against Celtic, and that is seen as another huge asset which Rangers are now determined to keep hold of.

Will Rangers sign James Penrice permanently?

Football Insider reported on 14 September that Rangers are increasingly likely to sign Penrice permanently following his performance in the Old Firm victory against Celtic.

They will be hoping he can replicate that display when they travel to Parkhead on 20 September, as they look for him to continue his impressive form of late.

Should Penrice prove capable of keeping up these recent performances, he will be increasingly likely to put pen to paper on a permanent deal come next summer.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "I think it would be a no-brainer for Rangers trigger that buy option in James Penrice's deal now.

"Penrice has come in and had a big impact at Ibrox since his arrival from AEK Athens, and he was outstanding in that new midfield role against Celtic in the 3-0 win at Ibrox.

"He's one of the first names on the team sheet for Derek McInnes right now as well, thanks to the way he has performed.

"There is the option to buy the left-back at the end of the season, and I'm sure Rangers will already be planning to take that up.

"It looks like Penrice is really thriving at Ibrox and obviously Rangers are very happy with this output as well so I think it would be a straightforward deal to get done."

Which clubs did Rangers beat to sign Penrice?

Rangers were delighted to finalise a deal for Penrice in August, as his availability had placed a number of rival clubs on alert beforer they beat them to a deal.

Teams across Scotland and Europe were believed to be keeping an eye on the left-back's situation and had lined up moves to bring him in before Rangers moved first.

Even sweeter for the Ibrox club, though, is that they beat their biggest rivals to the deal after Football Insider reported that Celtic viewed Penrice as a key target.

Martin O'Neill had been looking to strengthen his side at left-back durnig the summer, but they were ultimiately beaten to the deal by Rangers.

Penrice's performance in the Old Firm derby was already being widely praised, but after he could have been on the other side of the divide, Rangers will be delighted.