Rangers are hoping to have a deal for Nottingham Forest defender Joe Worrall agreed within the next 24-hours.

According to the Scottish Daily Record, Steven Gerrard is working hard to get a loan deal for the England U21 defender sealed within the next day or so.

Aitor Karanka has been contacted by the Rangers boss, who has assured the Spaniard that Worrall would regularly feature during a loan spell north of the border.

Worrall has seen his chances at Forest lessen after an influx of new signings over the summer, and Gerrard is keen on the defender having watched him six-times during the 35 appearances he made for the Championship side last season.

Rangers drew 3-3 with Motherwell last weekend, highlighting their need for defensive reinforcements, and aim to have a deal done before the Europa League second-leg tie at FC Ufa on Thursday.

If a deal is completed, Worrall could make his debut in the Old Firm derby against Celtic on Sunday.

Worrall has failed to feature for Forest this season with the transfer window closing on Friday for temporary deals to be completed.

The Verdict

The fact that Steven Gerrard contacted Aitor Karanka to give him his assurances over the amount of game time the defender is going to get shows the Rangers boss wants him.

Joe Worrall should be flattered that a manager is going to great lengths to get a deal over the line as soon as possible and has kept an eye on him before he was even a manager, seeing him play six times.

It would be a move that suits everyone with the 21-year-old out-of-favour at Forest at present after a tonne of new signings.

Worrall needs regulator first-team football in order to progress further and become a serious contender to start for Forest upon his return from any potential loan.

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