Rangers may have an ace up their sleeve should they want to sign Chris Willock. 

The Lowdown: Willock has Rangers connections

Chris, the older brother of Joe Willock, has played for Arsenal and is currently at QPR. Neil Banfield was part of both clubs alongside the 24-year-old, showing the two have a strong connection with one another.

Willock's deal with the west London side runs out this summer, meaning Michael Beale could bring his former player to Ibrox for absolutely nothing in the summer.

However, a winter move has also been mooted, with reporter Alan Nixon (via Ibrox News) claiming that his current club would want 'big money' to do a deal.

The Latest: Clark thinks Willock would be a 'top' player

Speaking on The Rangers Review, journalist Derek Clark has said that the midfielder is a 'top' player, while Banfield could be key to luring Willock over the border to Scotland.

He stated: "He is a top player. I just had a quick glance at when his contract is up - it's up in the summer, if I'm not mistaken. Otherwise, he would have cost a fair chunk of cash.

"Now, Neil Banfield worked with him at Arsenal. I think that was one of the big reasons why he enticed him to Loftus Road. Who knows, he may be able to entice him to Glasgow. He's certainly one player I think that would excite the fans."

The Verdict: Rangers should keep a firm eye on Willock's contract situation

Willock has been a top-performing player for QPR in recent years, picking up 18 goal contributions in the English Championship last season. In addition, the 24-year-old ranks as the club's sixth-best player based on his average league rating on Sofascore with 6.96.

It would come as no surprise if the Championship club would only command a hefty price for the player based on his stats. However, an opportunity to sign him on a free is something Rangers can't afford to turn their noses up at, so perhaps biding their time will pay off in the long run.

With the chance to play under a former coach in Banfield and reunite with ex-manager Beale at one of the biggest sides in Scotland and Europe, we could see Willock being keen to join Rangers in the future.