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January is a pivotal month for Rangers as Michael Beale looks to freshen up an ageing squad in desperate need of strengthening.

The Ibrox boss has said he wants to add two or three players who will instantly improve the first team.

Aside from much-needed additions, there are several players already on the books with undecided futures.

Following Monday’s Old Firm stalemate, Beale was quizzed on whether the squad requires major surgery. As well as looking to make additions, he remarked on those who are out of contract in the summer, saying: “This month will be a big month, sorting out one or two futures, tying one or two things up."

As it stands, there are 10 players out of contract come the summer. Of those whose deals are expiring, the priority has to be extending Ryan Kent’s stay in Glasgow.

The 26-year-old is now free to talk to potential suitors and able to sign a pre-contract agreement.

READ MORE: How Rangers boss Michael Beale plans to revitalise Ryan Kent

He won’t be short of options but it’s imperative Rangers do everything in their power to persuade him to stay put.

The arrival of Beale as manager has revitalised Kent. He no longer looks like someone devoid of belief and confidence and part of that is down to a positional adjustment. 

Beale has afforded Kent a free role across the front three, so he is no longer pigeonholed on the left-wing as we witnessed under Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s tenure.

The goal against Celtic was one of sheer quality and there is certainly an argument to be made he is capable of moments of brilliance more often.

This Rangers squad isn't littered with game-changers and in Kent, they have someone who is just that. They cannot allow such an asset to walk out the door for nothing without busting a gut to convince him to sign on.

READ MORE: The Alfredo Morelos Rangers conundrum and January exit assessment

Beale certainly wants him to. Speaking after the match on Monday, he said: “Ryan Kent’s quality for this football club is not in question inside this building and certainly not by me.

“All the time I am here Ryan has a place here and is loved. Time and time again when it matters Ryan Kent shows up for this club.”

It’s a view echoed by former Rangers striker Kris Boyd who emphasised the need to sort his contract out speaking on Sky Sports. “With Ryan Kent, Rangers must find a way to keep him at the football club,” he said.

“I totally understand he might want the opportunity to speak to other clubs.

“I think Ryan Kent loves it at Ibrox. He is adored by the fans, there is no doubt he can get back to his best. We have talked about his numbers and there is no doubt he can improve.

“He brings so much more to the team now as well. He is one that I think you really need to get tied down. I think with him he is not throwing in the towel and saying ‘I am moving on’.

“I get it might be the same as Connor Goldson and you wait until the summer, to see exactly what is happening. There is nothing wrong with Ryan Kent going and exploring what is there because he knows exactly what Rangers can give him.”

Rangers Review: (Image: NQ)

The ball is very much in Kent’s court and who could blame him if he wishes to seek a new challenge elsewhere having spent four-and-a-half years in Govan.

That being said, it’s hard to argue with comments Beale made on Monday of those who may feel their future lies away from Ibrox, saying: “The ones who may leave will struggle to play for a bigger club in my opinion.”

It’s an interesting remark and hard to argue with. You can count on one hand the number of players who have departed Ibrox in the last 20-plus years and enhanced their footballing careers.

Will Kent play for a bigger club that adores him quite like the one he’s at? I’m not so sure.