Sunderland working on Rangers double swoop as offer goes in - Ibrox Exclusive
Sunderland are targeting a Rangers double swoop as they look to add Jamie Murphy to the loan capture of Greg Docherty this month, Football Insider has learned.
The League One big hitters have admitted they are working on a deal for Docherty, 23, and have also made a move this week for his 30-year-old teammate.
A Sunderland source has told Football Insider that the club have tabled a loan offer for central midfielder Docherty and have also registered their interest in winger Murphy.
Sunderland are in pole position to beat Charlton Athletic to the temporary signing of Docherty.
Burton Albion had been leading the race to take Murphy on loan for the rest of the season, but the Black Cats are also keen.
Another former Rangers man, striker Kyle Lafferty, has already joined Phil Parkinson's side this week.
Parkinson has admitted to "initial chats" with Rangers about a Docherty deal but insisted they were now on hold until after Saturday.
Steven Gerrard has told BBC Sport that he is keen for both the former Hamilton star and Murphy to both go out on loan for the second half of the season and get regular first-team football.
The pair have been fringe figures this season at title-chasing Rangers, who have also secured a place in the Europa League knock-out stages.
Docherty has not figured at all since August despite Gerrard praising his efforts in training and Murphy has made just two substitute SPL appearances since suffering a serious knee injury 18 months ago.
In other Rangers news, it can be REVEALED that the club have submitted an English club centre-forward offer.