Sky Sports pundit Kevin Phillips believes that Glasgow Rangers will have to wait until January to find out whether Connor Goldson will put pen to paper on a new contract.

The Lowdown: Goldson future up in the air

The 28-year-old's future at Ibrox is up in the air - he has less than a year left on his contract (Transfermarkt) and could leave for free next summer.

The Gers had hoped he would sign a new three-year deal, but so far that has not materialised.

The Latest: Phillips expects January decision

Speaking to Football Insider, Phillips believes that Goldson will wait until the winter transfer window before making a decision on his future at Rangers. The former Sunderland striker said:

"To me, it sounds like he wants to wait until January to see what other clubs will offer him.

"Why would you not have agreed a new deal by now when you have been negotiating for quite a while. It smells a little bit of outside interest.

"Someone is perhaps in his ear telling him to hang fire. I hope that is not the case because I would like to see him stay there.

"But, if a deal has not been struck by now you start to wonder why. The only reason I can think is that people are telling him other clubs will come knocking in January.

"If that is the case I hope it is not false hope they are giving him. We have seen in the past players being tapped up and then not getting a move for whatever reason. Let’s hope that is not the case.

"Ideally his contract gets ironed out and he remains a Rangers player because he is a big player for them."

The Verdict: Keep him at the club

Phillips is right with that final comment - it is hard to overestimate the importance of Goldson at Ibrox. Already this season, he has played every minute of all nine of Rangers' matches in all competitions, while WhoScored. While James Tavernier may be club captain, Goldson is an influential leader at the heart of the back four.

Losing him would be bad enough, but to do so on a free transfer would be even worse. Valued at £6.75m by Transfermarkt, he is a huge asset for the Gers, but they face the prospect of failing to recoup a single penny if he departs. Hopefully he decides to stay in Glasgow for the foreseeable future.

In other news, this Rangers man has been urged to leave the club.