Rangers could be boosted in their chances of luring Billy Gilmour back to Ibrox as rejoining his boyhood club is 'something that will be on his mind', according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.
The Gers are currently six points off the pace as they hunt down a second consecutive Scottish Premiership title, but it appears boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst has already started to look at welcoming reinforcements to Glasgow ahead of next season.
What's the latest news involving Gilmour?
According to 90min, Chelsea are set to send Gilmour out on loan next season and Rangers - along with Fulham and Bournemouth - hold an interest.
If Gilmour leaves Stamford Bridge on a temporary basis, it would result in him spending back-to-back campaigns away from his parent club as he is currently on a season-long loan with Norwich City.
However, that spell has not gone to plan as he has been unable to stop the Canaries suffering an immediate return to the Championship, with their relegation from the Premier League being confirmed at the weekend.
Gilmour has made 25 appearances since heading to Carrow Road last summer and also managed to chip in with two assists.
The 20-year-old, who has already won the Champions League with Chelsea, has featured for his parent club on 22 occasions.
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What has Pete O'Rourke said about Gilmour?
O'Rourke believes heading north of the border and linking up with Rangers would be of interest to the £12.5million-rated Gilmour.
The journalist also feels securing the central midfielder's services would be a coup for van Bronckhorst, who was appointed as the Gers' boss last November.
O'Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: "I think a move to Rangers might be something that will be on his mind.
"I think he's a boyhood Rangers fan as well, so if Rangers were able to pull off that deal, it would give them a huge boost going into next season."
Why is Gilmour of interest to Rangers?
Gilmour came through the ranks at Rangers, only to leave the Glasgow giants and join Chelsea as a 15-year-old in 2017.
The Gers received an initial fee of £500,000, but there is a distinct possibility that both Gilmour and the Ibrox-based club believe there is unfinished business.
Gilmour may have struggled in a side battling against relegation this season, but the 12-cap Scotland international has already shown that he has good pedigree.
Van Bronckhorst is also set to see central midfielders Steven Davis and Scott Arfield - along with loanee Aaron Ramsey - depart at the end of the season, so Gilmour could fill a major void.