Rangers 'closing in' on deal for 15-year-old wonderkid

The Ibrox club are thought to be nearing an agreement to see the teenager sign full-time terms.

Smith - who is just 15 - has been linked with major clubs but Rangers are keen for the midfielder to pen a pro contract at Ibrox.

The Athletic journalist Tom Bogert reports a deal for Smith - who has dual-nationality for Scotland and the United States - is close.

The youngster - who was recently tipped for a move to Arsenal - turns 16 in the summer.

The Scotland under-16 talent - who has also represented USA at youth level - has been tracked by the Premier League giants for a significant period.

But it's thought no deal has been finalised at Rangers or elsewhere with Premier League clubs and sides in the MLS still plotting a transfer swoop for Smith.

Bogert claims: "Rangers closing on signing highly-rated Scottish/United States dual-nat midfielder Alexander Smith to his first pro deal, I'm told.

"Nothing done yet. Still some MLS clubs pushing + Premier League clubs.

"Smith, turns 16 this summer, linked with Arsenal earlier this year."

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Meanwhile, Philippe Clement has revealed Rangers are in talks with Lens over extending Oscar Cortes' stay at Ibrox.

The winger's loan spell - which included an option to buy - has been derailed by injury after a promising few outings.

Cortes, 20, won't feature again for Rangers this season but Clement has confirmed discussions over a possible extended stay in Glasgow are ongoing.

"We are talking with Lens about what the situation is because in this situation it is a different situation from when he was fit,” he said.

“At the moment he was fit he was showing the right things, but it was really short term. Then it needs to be at the right price.”

Asked if Cortes could return on loan next season, Clement added: "That is something to discuss. We will see what is said in the talks with Lens. I cannot say just now.”