Despite widespread expectation that his time at Ibrox was drawing to a close, Joe Rothwell now looks set to remain a Rangers player for the time being, with any January exit delayed by structure rather than a lack of interest.
Rothwell, 31, had been widely tipped to move on this window as Danny Rohl continues to reshape his squad, particularly in midfield, with Tochi Chukwueni already recruited and another, more experienced number six targeted before the window closes.
That search for experience appears to be sharpening. According to the Sheffield Star, Rangers are now front-runners to sign Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil, overtaking Sheffield United and Koln in the race for the 24-year-old, with the Ibrox club’s push for a holding midfielder accelerating late in the window.
A Sunderland academy graduate and one-club player, Neil is regarded as a tactically intelligent, physically robust midfielder capable of screening the defence and managing tempo - qualities Rangers believe have been lacking at the base of midfield.
He was a key member of the Black Cats side which won promotion to the English Premier League last season – but has struggled for minutes in the top flight this term and has been left out of their travelling squad for tomorrow’s away fixture to West Ham United in London.
While not a traditional destroyer, Neil’s positional discipline, leadership traits and English Championship pedigree align closely with Rohl’s desire for control and game management during pressured spells.
Sunderland are understood to be holding out for a fee in the region of £3 million despite the midfielder entering the final six months of his deal, a valuation Rangers are believed to be assessing as the window enters its final stages – the Gers could agree a pre-contract with the Englishman before negotiating a knock-down price.
Neil’s potential arrival would have a knock-on effect. Sheffield United, previously viewed as one of the more credible suitors for Rothwell, could yet revisit their interest should Rangers land their primary midfield target - particularly with Rothwell likely to find himself further down the pecking order under Rohl.
For now, however, talks with interested English Championship clubs have yet to progress to the point of a deal.
The central issue has, according to sources close to the situation, been a familiar one: clubs south of the border have explored a loan deal with an option to buy, while Rangers have held firm on a loan with an obligation or a straight sale - the Ibrox club seeking clarity and a guaranteed permanent outcome.
That difference has so far proved a stumbling block. Sheffield United and Middlesbrough have both discussed Rothwell internally and held exploratory conversations, but no formal offers have been lodged.
As a result, the midfielder remains at Ibrox for now, though a move later in the window has not been ruled out should positions soften.
Rothwell’s Rangers spell has been a frustrating one. Signed during the tenure of former head coach Russell Martin, he was viewed as one of the main signings of that regime - a technically secure midfielder trusted by Martin after their time together at Southampton and was then enjoyed a promotion-winning season with Leeds United, where Rothwell played a key role.
Instead, injuries, fitness issues and difficulty adapting to the tempo and physicality of the Scottish game have limited his impact.
Across 20 appearances, Rothwell has registered three assists, without ever establishing himself as a central figure.
An injury lay-off shortly after the former Sheffield Wednesday bosses appointment further hampered his chances to impress.
He spent close to two months sidelined before returning in the Scottish Cup tie against Annan Athletic, where he provided an assist for fellow outcast Kieran Dowell in a 5-0 victory at Ibrox.
Dowell has since left Rangers, completing a move to Hull City, while Lyall Cameron has also departed Ibrox on loan to Aberdeen - adding further churn in the midfield department.
Rohl has been candid about Rothwell’s current standing. Speaking ahead of the Aberdeen double-header prior to Annan’s visit to Ibrox, the Rangers head coach admitted the midfielder was still “off the rhythm” of the team following his extended absence.
While Rohl welcomed his return to availability, the comment underlined why Rothwell has not been rushed back into league contention - and why Rangers remain open to a move should the right deal present itself.
Rothwell’s time at the club also became entwined with the turbulent end of Martin’s reign.
Despite being one of the former manager’s trusted lieutenants, Rothwell publicly contradicted Martin’s claim that the squad were anxious following a 1–1 draw with Falkirk in October - a result that proved to be Martin’s final match in charge.
Crucially, Rangers midfield situation is not one of wholesale exits. Nedim Bajrami is now expected to remain at the club, according to Rangers Review, despite earlier reports from the Daily Record suggesting the injured Albanian international had been transfer-listed.
Bajrami, who scored against Dundee United earlier in the campaign before picking up an injury against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park, is still viewed internally as part of Rohl’s plans once fully fit.
That contrast is telling. Rangers January strategy appears more selective than initially assumed, only trimming where necessary, but retaining players they believe can still contribute within Rohl’s structure.
Rothwell’s future remains unresolved, but for now, he stays part of the group. Whether that remains the case by the end of the window will depend not on interest, but on arithmetic.
If compromise can be found on deal structure, a late move remains possible. Until then, Joe Rothwell remains at Ibrox.