Josh Maja has been persistently linked with a move to Rangers across the last six months. 

That speculation has intensified in the last few days with his contract situation at Bordeaux in the spotlight. 

Maja had a clause in his deal with the French club that would automatically activate a one-year extension if they achieved promotion from Ligue 2 last season. 

However, it appears that Bordeaux have been unsuccessful in their attempt to return to the top flight after a controversial decisive final game.

Bordeaux needed to beat Rodez to secure the second-placed finish necessary for promotion but the game was postponed after one of their fans attacked a Rodez player. 

The French footballing authorities have now declared that result as a defeat for Bordeaux, with Metz instead promoted in second. 

That outcome would lead to Maja becoming a free agent this summer, but the dispute hasn’t reached a conclusion with Bordeaux appealing the decision. 

A club statement read: "The Disciplinary Commission of the LFP today issued a decision that is as incomprehensible as it is disproportionate, both in view of the elements of the file and the case law.

"FC Girondins de Bordeaux will contact the CNOSF as soon as possible to defend its rights and sporting fairness."

The disagreement is expected to rumble on and the Rangers Review understands that no decision has been made over Maja’s future at present from the striker’s perspective.

READ MORE: Sam Lammers scout report: Rangers' new attacker profiled

While the likelihood is that Bordeaux will remain in Ligue 2 next season and Maja will become a free agent, nothing will be finalised while that situation remains unresolved. 

The 24-year-old has been monitored by Rangers across the season but he’s not been a priority in recent weeks with attention focused on Sam Lammers and Cyriel Dessers.

However, interest from Rangers in Maja is legitimate with the club long-term admirers of the attacker. 

Lammers' arrival from Atalanta in a deal worth in excess of £3 million is imminent, but a move for Dessers remains further away due to Cremonese’s demands. 

While Maja would be a free agent, there would still be a considerable financial outlay to bring him to Ibrox, with a signing-on fee and substantial wage demands. 

The former Sunderland striker has bags of potential and fits into Rangers’ player trading model, while also possessing attributes that would appeal to Michael Beale.

Maja rejected interest from various English Championship clubs, including Nottingham Forest and Blackburn, to move to France in January 2019.

There is interest from clubs down south this summer with Maja also qualifying as a homegrown player after developing through the academies at Fulham and Manchester City before moving to Sunderland. 

Rangers will face competition for Maja if they decide to cement their interest but do have an existing relationship with the player’s agency, who also represent Joe Aribo. 

The Nigerian international enjoyed his most prolific season last year with 17 goals and six assists in 40 appearances for Bordeaux. 

Lammers’ imminent arrival would add to Fashion Sakala, Antonio Colak and Kemar Roofe as Beale’s options at centre-forward. 

Dessers mooted signing would leave Rangers with five players capable of playing up front but another striker could still arrive.

Maja’s future isn’t expected to be resolved until later this summer, but with a unique contract situation, his status is one to be watched.