RANGERS are closing in on a deal for Norwich star Todd Cantwell.
The 24-year-old is one of Michael Beale’s top January targets.
The Rangers boss is hoping to secure the midfielder on a three-year contract, with Blackburn Rovers also keen.
SunSport first revealed Beale’s interest in Cantwell last weekend.
Beale said: “He is a player with a lot of ability and there will be a lot of interest in him. He is a player I like a lot, as I said last week.
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“Out of respect, I can’t really say much more than that. You are not far off the track with what you are all insinuating.”
A deal for Cantwell could be struck early next week, with Beale also tracking Everton midfielder Tom Davies.
The Ibrox gaffer added: “It has progressed well in terms of where it is at.
“As soon as there is news we will let everyone know. We are eager to let everyone know. It will take a little bit of time.
“My bit is done, if that makes sense, and now it is over to other people to finalise things.
“As far as I can see, I am really pleased with the way two or three things are going.
“They are heading in the right direction.
“I didn’t think anyone would be in before this game, and I didn’t want to disrupt the group either.
“The group is quite settled at the moment.
“Hopefully in the next week or so we will see one or two things.”
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As sporting director Ross Wilson works around the clock to get deals over the line, Beale has urged fans for patience.
He added: “They have to be the right people. There have been meetings.
“I have not had much time off, if that makes sense, because I have been busy with Ross and everybody else.
“I’m pleased with where things are, it is positive. These things are never as fast as fans want.
“The window opens and they want the guy there the moment the window opens. It doesn’t always work like that.
“But I am positive. If I don’t think they are right for us longer term, and that longer term is for us to fight for trophies, to compete well in Europe and do well, then I don’t want anyone here short term.
“That is probably ruling out anyone that will be coming on loan for six months.
“As I said previously, I want people that I can build around.
“There is going to be a change in the summer of some faces. Everybody is aware of that.
“If you go back to when Steven first recruited, some of those players are still in the club. I would say that was very good recruitment at the time.”
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