Noel Whelan has urged Rangers to complete a deal for Ianis Hagi as quickly as possible so the attacker can have a full pre-season with the squad.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs, the former Leeds and Aberdeen striker claimed Steven Gerrard will be itching to complete deals swiftly so he has a clear picture of his squad going into next season.

Football Insider revealed that the Gers are confident of landing the 21-year-old on a long-term contract and making him their first summer signing.

Hagi has impressed since joining on loan in January from Genk and the club are now set to exercise their loan-to-buy option in the coming weeks.

With the Scottish Premiership expected to start again in August, Whelan has urged club officials to complete a deal as soon as possible.

“I do not think Stevie would have brought him in to start with if he did not think he could improve the side,” he told Football Insider.

“A very technical player and the sort of player that Gerrard wants at Rangers.

“It is important that they get the deal done quickly so he knows where he is and can have a full pre-season with the team. That way he will feel embedded into the squad, ready for the start of the season.

“Stevie will be itching to get players in as quickly as possible so he knows what his squad is for the start of next season.”

Hagi scored three goals and registered two assists in his 12 appearances prior to the SPFL’s decision to curtail the season last week.

The termination of the season led to the Gers officially announcing the departure of six senior players when their contracts expire.

This article was originally posted here