OPINION
Rangers would pull off a masterstroke signing if they landed Steven Davis from Southampton in the January window.
There was talk in the summer of the Light Blues bringing the Northern Ireland international back to Ibrox but ex-Saints boss Mark Hughes blocked the deal.
Now, it appears Rangers have a real chance of being successful in their second attempt to sign a player with the pedigree and class to make a huge contribution in the second half of the campaign.
According to the Scottish Sun, the Premier League club have “given the green light” for Davis, 33, to leave St Mary’s Stadium in the January window and head back to Ibrox.
The central midfielder is out of contract at the end of the season but it is said the south-coast club hierarchy are willing to let him leave on a free next month as a “thank you” for his six years of excellent service.
Steven Gerrard is fully on board with a potentially imminent deal for Davis, who has made just four appearances for Southampton this season.
Little wonder. The 105-times Northern Ireland international is a goalscorer and creator from the middle of the pitch.
No Bear needs reminding of his influence in his first stint at Ibrox, when he spearheaded the club to three league titles during his 200 appearances, which yielded 21 goals and a remarkable 60 assists.
Davis has been a consistent performer in the Premier League as well, and his return could be even more impactful than that made by brilliant summer signing Allan McGregor.
Rangers are crying out for a midfield inventor and controller, and Davis perfectly fits the bill.