Rangers have received a boost in their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain's Xavi Simons with the news from L'Equipe (via Get French Football News) that he is yet to sign a new contract. 

The lowdown

A report from Spanish outlet AS (via Glasgow Times) shortly before the turn of the year claimed that Rangers were leading the race for Simons, having opened talks with his agent Mino Raiola. The teenager, who joined PSG from Barcelona in the summer of 2019, is out of contract at the end of the current season.

Simons, who can play as an attacking midfielder, right winger and centre forward, has made four senior appearances for PSG, including two Coupe de France outings in the past month. He has also twice made the bench in Ligue 1 this season without getting any minutes.

The latest

The report from L'Equipe (via Get French Football News) claimed that PSG are at risk of losing Simons on a free transfer in the summer, having apparently become frustrated at the lack of first team opportunities afforded to him in the French capital.

Before he signs a new deal in Paris, the player wants guarantees that he will either be allowed to leave on loan for the remainder of the campaign or be properly integrated into the senior setup.

The verdict

This is a huge update from a Rangers perspective. It raises the genuine possibility that Simons will leave the Parc des Princes, and the Scottish champions appear to be at the front of the queue.

It would be some signing for Giovanni van Bronckhorst's side. The Daily Record's Robbie Copeland has written that the 18-year-old is 'possibly the most exciting name Rangers have been linked with'; while another sports journalist in Maxi Angelo has raved about the teenager's 'spectacular' showings in the UEFA Youth League after he produced three goals and six assists in the group stage of the tournament.

Even if the £1.6m-rated gem does sign a new deal at PSG, all hope may not be lost. If Simons gets his loan wish, he could still end up at Rangers on a temporary basis.

In other news, many Rangers fans flock to this double exit claim