Rangers have completed the next step towards signing James Penrice, with the AEK Athens left-back undergoing his medical ahead of a season-long loan move to Ibrox.
The 27-year-old has completed his medical and Rangers are now understood to be finalising the paperwork on the deal, with the transfer expected to be completed imminently.
The agreement is understood to include an option to buy at the end of the loan.
Penrice's arrival comes after Rangers' left-back options were hit by a combination of injuries and a change in recruitment plans.
Rangers turn to Penrice after defensive setbacks
Rangers had initially been expected to explore another loan deal for Jayden Meghoma, who spent last season at Ibrox.
However, the club are no longer pursuing a second loan for the Brentford full-back, leaving Rangers needing an alternative solution.
The situation was further complicated by injuries within the existing squad. Tuur Rommens, who had established himself as Rangers' first choice left-back, has been ruled out for around two months.
Teenager Ashton Scally was also viewed as a longer-term option in the position, but the 16-year-old suffered an injury during pre-season. Scally is seen as the long-term answer to the Gers left back position but his injury has forced Rangers to secure another full back in a season he was expected to have been Rommens’ understudy.
That left Rangers short of a natural senior left-back and ultimately forced the club to act in the transfer market.
Penrice provides natural option
McInnes previously described Penrice as a "brilliant signing" for Hearts and compared his influence to that of Scotland and Spurs left-back Andy Robertson.
"Penrice reminds me of a young Andy Robertson. He's so influential in Hearts' performances," McInnes said.
"I thought it was a brilliant signing for Hearts when they got him. I tried to take him to Kilmarnock."
McInnes also admitted that Penrice's Hearts’ departure to Athens was a blow after he had arrived at Tynecastle hoping to work with the left-back.
The move also gives Rangers greater security while Rommens works his way back from injury, rather than requiring the club to rely on players operating outside their natural positions.
Rangers' decision to pursue a loan with an option to buy also provides flexibility.
Should Penrice impress during his time at Ibrox, the club will have the opportunity to make the move permanent rather than having to negotiate an entirely new deal next summer.
Rangers are preparing to face St Mirren in the League Cup on Sunday and the club having also entered the crucial stage of their European campaign, dropping into the Conference League with a playoff against Jablonec fast approaching.
Penrice's medical has now been completed, leaving the final paperwork as the remaining step before Rangers can formally announce his arrival.
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