Rangers should tie 'key players' Steven Davis and Scott Arfield down to new Ibrox contracts as they could help the next generation of talent coming through the ranks, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

There is uncertainty over where the long-term future of Davis and Arfield lies heading into the closing stages of the campaign.

What's the latest news involving Davis and Arfield?

As things stand, Davis and Arfield are among a host of players who are reaching the end of their current contracts at Rangers.

Davis' £13,000-per-week agreement is due to expire in the summer, while Arfield's deal - worth £16,000 every seven days - will run out at the same time.

It was previously revealed by managing director Stewart Robertson that Rangers sporting director Ross Wilson has been in regular dialogue with those who have entered the final stages of their respective contracts, suggesting Davis and Arfield have been in talks with key decision-makers behind-the-scenes.

But 130-cap Northern Ireland captain Davis insisted during last month's international break that he was relaxed about the situation due to negotiations only getting underway at a similar time last year, when he penned a 12-month extension.

Fellow midfielder Arfield told BT Sport - via The National - that negotiations were ongoing between Rangers and his representatives in February, but it appears a breakthrough has not been made.

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What has Pete O'Rourke said about Davis and Arfield?

O'Rourke believes Rangers should make extending Davis and Arfield's stay at Ibrox a priority.

The journalist feels the experienced duo could play a key role in helping emerging talent to break into boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst's plans.

O'Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: "I think you want to keep those players around and that they'll maybe help other players coming through the ranks to break into that Rangers first team in the future.

"They are key players with good experience. I think you want to keep them around the place."

How have Davis and Arfield performed this season?

Having reached the final stages of his career, at the age of 37, Davis has been restricted to 24 appearances this season.

In that time, he has contributed a goal and a solitary assist, but there is no doubting that Davis has been an impressive servant to Rangers, having accumulated more than 330 outings over the course of two spells at Ibrox.

Arfield has been offered more opportunities to shine than Davis since the campaign got underway.

The 33-year-old has found the back of the net on five occasions in 39 appearances and showed he still features in van Bronckhorst's plans by playing the full 90 minutes in the 1-0 Europa League quarter-final first leg defeat to Portuguese side Braga.