Rangers may be forced to pass on Ibrox-linked Jacob Murphy with Newcastle United ready to trigger an automatic contract extension, according to a report.
The winger, 26, was high on Steven Gerrard's summer wishlist at the start of this season.
His contract, as it stands, is set to run out at St James' Park in two months' time.
But he has featured heavily for the Magpies in their relegation run-in and the Premier League side have survived the drop with three games to go.
Now the Chronicle claims Toon boss Steve Bruce is prepared to tack a further year onto his deal to quash any notion of Murphy leaving in the upcoming window.
The northeast publication says Rangers did put the feelers out and made "enquires" regarding a transfer but it appears the automatic extension could put an end to any ideas of a potential switch.
The Scottish champions have done some summer business already with KV Oostende striker Fashion Sakala joining Bournemouth's Nnamdi Ofoborh as two pre-contract arrivals for next season's Scottish Premiership title defence.
Newcastle meanwhile are still said to be running the rule over Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer after watching him in last weekend's derby at Ibrox.
