RANGERS have given Josh McPake the green light to seal a loan move away from Ibrox with a decision expected this week as Hartlepool United hold their interest in the winger.

Manager Giovanni Van Bronkhorst was running the rule over McPake in pre-season but recent signings have reduced his chances of making the first-team. Wingers Tom Lawrence and Rabbi Matondo have recently made the move to Glasgow from Derby County and Schalke 04 respectively while striker Antonio Colak has also completed a permanent switch from Greek side PAOK.

It’s understood that Gers have made the decision to further his development with another loan spell away from Ibrox for next season.

Pools declared their interest in the 20-year-old earlier this summer with Paul Hartley keen to bolster his squad with forward options for next season. However, McPake, who can play on either wing, has a number of offers to consider from both England and from sides in the Scottish Premier League.

Reports suggest Stevenage and Crawley have joined Queens Park and Dundee in the race for his signature.

Having spent his last three loan spells in England with Harrogate Town, Morecambe and Tranmere Rovers, McPake must decide whether he wants to continue his development south of the border or join a club in his native Scotland. It’s understood that the logistics of travelling to the North-East of England are a factor in the move.

Hartlepool are in need of an attacking threat on the wings after the recent departure of last season’s top scorer Luke Molyneux who rejected a contract offer to join Doncaster Rovers. Meanwhile, striker Omar Bogle left the club to join fellow League Two side Newport County on a permanent deal.

Pools have made recent progress on the transfer front after bringing in left-back Brody Peterson and midfielder Callum Cooke on permanent deals last week but Hartley’s next aim is to bring a striker in for next season. While McPake is a winger by trade, he will offer an attacking outlet to Hartley’s side if they can strike a deal for next season.

After a resounding win over Billingham Synthonia at the weekend, Hartley’s side return to action this evening when they face newly promoted Marske United in a pre-season friendly at Mount Pleasant.