Glasgow Rangers have reportedly 'made contact' over potentially bringing Ahmed Kendouci to Ibrox in the January transfer window.

Kendouchi was actually strongly linked with a move to Old Firm rivals Celtic last January, but a move never materialised in the end.

The central midfielder plies his trade in Algeria with ES Setif, and has scored 22 goals and made a further 19 assists for them in 107 games in total over all competitions across four consecutive seasons (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: Contact made

Taking to Twitter, Football Scotland journalist Mark McDougall has revealed that the Gers have now 'made contact' over the signing of Kendouci on an initial loan deal in January:

"Rangers have made contact over the signing of Ahmed Kendouci in January. Want an initial loan deal. 23-year-old midfielder."

Expanding in his article for Football Scotland, McDougall adds that Michael Beale's side face competition from a number of clubs across Europe, with one in Croatia 'particularly keen' on also signing him.

Setif would rather sell him on a permanent deal, rather than the Light Blues' proposal to sign him on loan first, but a 'source close' to Kendouci claims that they are 'confident' that a deal can be agreed in January that could see him make the move to Scotland.

McDougall outlines that Kendouci has been capped once by Algeria, and is 'interested' in a move to Scotland as he looks to break into Europe, with him being the current top goalscorer in the Algerian top flight and capable of playing across the midfield and at left-back.

The Verdict: Get it done

Given his record in Algeria, Kendouci seems ready to make the move to European football.

Hailed as a 'complete midfielder with a left foot made of gold' by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, the 23-year-old is seeking his first big break, and the Teddy Bears could provide him with that.

The fact that the Hoops also wanted him not long ago would also sweeten the deal for supporters, as they could really get one over their main rivals.