We are now entering that period in every season where Scottish Premiership clubs – including Rangers – start to sweat about the coming summer and their contract negotiations.
Fortunately, unlike in previous years where Alfredo Morelos, Ryan Kent, Filip Helander, Ryan Jack, Scott Arfield and more all left for nothing, currently only the Burnley-linked Tom Lawrence is due to leave Ibrox on a free transfer alongside a 36-year-old Leon Balogun.
There is, of course, the future of loanees Vaclav Cerny and newbie Rafael Fernandes to consider.
But with Lawrence and Balogun free to sign pre-contract arrangements elsewhere, both players could yet secure their next destination with months still remaining in their Rangers careers.
Spare a thought for Dundee, however.
After Aberdeen lost prized asset Connor Barron for an initial £650,000 last summer – a fee decided by a tribunal – Dundee could suffer the same fate as Rangers target Lyall Cameron.
Aberdeen join Rangers in chasing Dundee ace Lyall Cameron
According to reports which emerged a fortnight ago, Rangers are leading the race for the Scotland Under-21 international, in the hope that they can snap up another of the Premiership’s finest homegrown talents on a cut-price fee.
Now, Rangers were never likely to have a free run at Cameron. With eight goals and seven assists this term, Dundee’s number ten is one of the most exciting, potent midfielders in the division.
And with Aberdeen due to lose Jamie McGrath as things stand, Dante Polvara also appears to have suffered a setback after a long spell out injured, Jimmy Thelin’s side will not stand idly by and watch Rangers snatch Cameron’s signature with minimal fuss.
Aberdeen are reportedly keen on Lyall Cameron too. Following Barron’s controversial switch to Ibrox, the prospect of taking revenge on Rangers will surely appeal.
And Thelin confirms, as The Dons look to snap a horrific run of 13 winless Premiership matches against Hibernian this weekend, that a midfielder in Cameron’s ilk may yet be something they look to secure before the window closes.
“[Signing a new midfielder] is in the mix,” the Swede tells reporters.
“You also have to think about the long-term and trust the players here and try to find solutions with the squad you have, and don’t panic.
“But let’s see what we’re going to do. If we’re going to have some more [signings] or not in the window this time.”
Philippe Clement has already praised Ibrox target Cameron
While a move to Rangers for Josh Mulligan has been talked up, by the likes of former Ibrox stalwart Andy Halliday, illness denied the right-wing back’s Dundee teammate the chance to impress his potential future employers during January’s 1-1 draw at Dens Park.
Though it’s fair to say Philippe Clement is a member of the Lyall Cameron fanclub already.
“Lyle Cameron, a very good midfielder,” Clement said earlier this month. “A creative midfielder with decisive action in the last pass and a good solid base behind him also.”
Dundee boss Tony Docherty is losing no sleep over Cameron’s future just yet, however, even if this situation is one that cannot be ignored for much longer as he enters the final six months of his deal.
“Lyall is a really level-headed young man and he has got brilliant representation as well,” Docherty said. “So he has got the right people, the right support network round about him.
“But more than that, as an individual, I am so impressed with Lyall’s personality and the way he handles things. So absolutely no concern about that at all.”
