Sources: Queen’s Park and Gateshead make moves to sign Rangers forward Josh McPake
Queen’s Park and Gateshead are in a race to sign Rangers forward Josh McPake this month, sources have told Football Insider.
The Glasgow giants are willing to sell the forward, 21, on a permanent deal after multiple loans in recent years.
McPake is thriving on loan at surprise Scottish Championship leaders Queen’s Park and they have registered their interest in a permanent deal.
English non-league outfit Gateshead are also keen on the forward, who has four goals from 22 matches in all competitions this season.
McPake is not part of Rangers’ first-team plans and the club have told him he is free to leave if the right offer comes in.
He has 18 months remaining on a contract running until June 2024.
One-time Scotland Under-21 international McPake is no stranger to English football, having already had short-term loan spells at Harrogate Town, Morecambe and Tranmere Rovers.
The versatile forward notched five goals in 42 appearances in England – at League One and League Two level.
McPake has made just one senior appearance for Rangers – a substitute cameo in Europa League Qualifying in the 2019-20 season.
He has primarily played on the right flank during his numerous loan spells away from Ibrox, but can also line up on the left and in attacking midfield.
Rangers are close to signing a forward of their own this month, with Todd Cantwell set to join Michael Beale’s side.
Football Insider revealed on Friday (20 January) that the Gers are hopeful of adding Swansea City winger Morgan Whittaker to the signing of Cantwell.
The Glasgow giants sit second in the Scottish Premiership, nine points behind Celtic.
In other news, pundit laments “big blow” at Rangers after Kemar Roofe update – “it’s not a good sign”.