We've come to expect a tonne of information from Michael Beale’s press conferences to keep us talking about all things Rangers for hours on end.

Monday’s pre-match Hearts presser was yet another example with much of the questions posed to the Ibrox boss centred around transfers.

Nicolas Raskin looks to be on his way to Govan after an agreement was reportedly reached between Rangers and Standard Liege. The 21-year-old Belgian will become Beale’s second signing following the arrival of Todd Cantwell from Norwich City last week.

Raskin’s imminent arrival means first-team opportunities may become even more limited for those on the fringes. Charlie McCann has already departed in search of regular football and given Raskin's position as a deep-lying midfielder, the likes of John Lundstram, Ryan Jack and Glen Kamara face some renewed and, more importantly, welcome competition.

There is another player who seems to have turned into a forgotten man - James Sands.

The American has rarely featured since Beale took over from Giovanni van Bronckhorst. Since starting at centre-back in the wins over Hibs and Aberdeen, Sands has made cameos off the bench in just three of the last eight games.

When quizzed about whether Raskin’s arrival may mean players could depart, Beale said: “Maybe one or two of the young ones that’s a possibility.

“We have a couple of loan players in and have to decide whether we want to retain them long turn. If we didn’t, maybe there will be an opportunity for them to go back as well. I want players who are going to be here for the long-term who can compete right now to make us stronger but also in the long-term.”

He was pushed on whether Sands has a part to play before his loan from New York City FC expires in the summer and replied: “All the players are going to have a part to play.

“If one or two things happen in the next 24 hours it moves the goalposts for everyone. My office is like a doctor's office this morning. There were one or two waiting that are wanting to have a conversation.

“All positive but obviously when new players come in it does move the goalposts and it gets competitive. That’s what I want. That’s what we’ve not had probably for the first month of me coming in, the second month just finished and is a lot more like it in terms of competition.

“I felt at the weekend that was the strongest squad that I’ve been able to pick from so far.”

Rangers Review: (Image: NQ)

Reading between the lines, it wouldn’t be at all surprising if Sands was one of the players looking to have a conversation with the Rangers manager about prospective game time.

From the opportunities he has been afforded, PSV aside, he’s rarely set the heather alight in a blue jersey. Although, the American's been unfortunate to rarely start in his favoured midfield berth. 

Clearly, he isn’t doing enough to convince the coaching staff in training that more first-team action is deserved. 

With six months of his loan remaining, it’s highly doubtful Sands has an immediate future at Ibrox, let alone a permanent one.

Therefore it would probably suit both parties to come to an amicable parting of ways and bring a premature end to his relatively unspectacular time in Scotland.