Rangers want permanent move for former Portsmouth loanee Ross McCrorie

However, as previously stated by The News, a Fratton Park return is not on the agenda.

The Blues were initially keen for the 22-year-old to come back for a second loan spell, after the midfielder-turned-right-back spent the whole of last season on the south coast.

He made 23 appearances for Kenny Jackett’s side as their promotion push came up short.

But both the player and the Gers have been keen on a permanent move away from Ibrox.

Scottish Premiership side Hibs are reported this week to have had a £200,000 bid rejected by Rangers manager Steven Gerrard, with former Sunderland manager Jack Ross – now in charge at Easter Road – a long-term admirer of the Scottish under-21 international.

Swiss outfit St Gallen are also supposed suitors, although a loan move is reported to have formed the basis of their line of enquiry.

That interest means McCrorie, who failed to match Pompey fans’ expectations following the hype surrounding his arrival in July 2019, won’t be short of offers as it comes to the next stage of his career.

But wherever he goes, Rangers are determined to get a fee.

Confirming their stance on McCrorie and fellow Gers midfielder Greg Docherty, Gerrard told Sky Sports: ‘Hull are in for Greg Docherty so he has had permission to speak to them.

‘We have had some interest from Hibs in Ross McCrorie.

‘Those talks are ongoing. But Ross and Greg will not be going on loan.

‘They have been on two loans. They have done that road.

‘If we get bids that we like, that are good enough and big enough, we will consider them. But they won't be going on loan.’

At present, James Bolton is Pompey’s only senior right-back.

Pompey have stated they’re in talks with Premier League and Championship clubs regarding news signings – most likely loan.

However, Mark Catlin revealed yesterday that no new arrivals were ‘imminent’.

At present, Sean Raggett, another player who spent last season on loan at Fratton Park, is the Blues’ only piece of transfer business this summer after he agreed to permanent move to Fratton Park.