Rangers are ‘hopeful’ that they can ‘still pull off’ a deal to bring Swansea City winger Morgan Whittaker to Ibrox this January, journalist Dean Jones has told GiveMeSport.

The 22-year-old enjoyed an impressive first half of the season on loan at League One side Plymouth Argyle before being recalled by his parent club and now Michael Beale is attempting to add him to his Gers squad.

Rangers transfer news – Morgan Whittaker

Fabrizio Romano previously revealed that Rangers have ‘submitted an official bid’ for Whittaker and that negotiations over a potential deal were ongoing.

The transfer guru has now provided an update on the Glasgow giants’ pursuit of the former England Under-20 international.

Romano has stated that Swansea have turned down a new bid from Rangers for Whittaker worth around £1.5 million, meaning Beale’s charges will have to come back with an improved offer if they want to secure his signature.

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Whittaker still has two and a half years left to run on his current contract at the Liberty Stadium, meaning the Swans are in no need to sanction his sale on the cheap.

The talented youngster has registered nine goals and seven assists in 25 league games for Plymouth this term and was spearheading their promotion push.

What has Jones said about Whittaker?

Despite Rangers having their opening offer rebuffed by Swansea, Jones still believes ‘there’s some life’ in the potential deal for Whittaker.

In an interview with GMS, he said: “I still think there's some life in this one, actually.

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

“I know that there have been various reports about whether or not it's going to be possible at this stage, but I think at this level of interest, the player's possibly had his head turned, it might be that.

“But ultimately, Rangers are hopeful at the very least that they can still pull off this deal.”

Do Rangers need Whittaker?

Whittacker has predominantly lined up on the right-wing throughout his senior career, and Rangers already have summer-signing Rabbi Matondo and Scott Wright to call upon in that area of the pitch.

However, the duo have been very underwhelming so far in 2022/23, failing to score a single goal between them and only providing six assists in their combined 44 appearances.

It’s easy to understand, therefore, why Beale is targeting Whittaker alongside Todd Cantwell, a player who has been far more clinical in front of goal than the current options available to him.

Only time will tell if Rangers return to Swansea with an improved offer for Whittaker, but he could prove to be an astute acquisition for Beale.