Glasgow Rangers are likely to lose Nottingham Forest defender Joe Worrall this January, despite paying an upfront fee for his current loan deal.

A report in the Express suggests new Forest boss Martin O'Neill could be set to recall the 22-year-old from his loan spell as he looks at his squad for the second half of the season.

Worrall moved to Ibrox for a loan fee in August, which means Forest would have to pay some money back if they choose to recall the player.

Steven Gerrard is reported to be interested in taking the defender to Ibrox permanently, having seen him become part of the first choice centre back pairing for the Scottish giants. However, the report suggests he's likely to be priced out of any move and such interest is futile.

O'Neill took over at Forest yesterday and will surely be looking to bolster his back four, with Michael Dawson and Michael Hefele both out injured at present. A recall for Worrall could see him go straight into the side and resurrect his flagging Forest career.

The Verdict

Worrall's loan at Ibrox has certainly been a success. He's settled in well and looks comfortable and assured at the heart of their back four. It'll be a huge blow to lose him, but surely improvement was the point of the move.

He'll come back to Forest with different experiences and approaches and that will benefit O'Neill and his squad going forward.