ALLY McCOIST hopes to see a swift conclusion to the Rangers power struggle to allow him to strengthen in the January transfer window.

Former director Dave King has been in talks with officials at the troubled Glasgow institution about a £16million bailout.

And Sports Direct tycoon Mike Ashley, who owns an 8.92% stake in the Gers, is also poised to increase his involvement.

The financially-troubled Ibrox club doesn't have enough funds to see it through to the end of the season.

And manager McCoist, whose side is nine points behind Hearts in the SPFL Championship, would like to see the off-field situation resolved soon.

He said: "We haven't heard anything for three or four days now, but I'm very, very hopeful that we could have some good news in the coming days or weeks.

"It would be absolutely brilliant if there was some kind of funding solution before the end of the year, but we're not expecting it or relying on it.

"The club and the football side of the club definitely needs investment at some point in the future. We don't have a timescale for it, but it certainly will have to happen for the benefit of the team."

McCoist continued: "One or two signings in January can make all the difference. I can go back to us signing Graham Roberts from Spurs in 1987.

"He helped us kick on. Graeme Souness was always keen on January signings.

"We attempt to keep ahead of the game. We don't have a scouting system, but we still watch players and look at those who are out of contract.

"Our IT guy, wee Stevie, keeps us up to speed with that and Kenny McDowall, Ian Durrant, myself and big Jimmy Stewart watch the football.

"The world is a small place now and it's easier to scout and see games from different countries. It's far from ideal but that's what we're doing."

Rangers chief executive Graham Wallace told playing staff at a meeting last month that their futures were secure.

And McCoist is confident wages WILL be paid as negotiations about the future of the stricken League One champions continue.

He said: "I think that (wages being paid) is of great concern to everybody - not just players but the staff as well. But I haven't had any indication that that won't be the case.

"Nobody has told me that could happen or that I should fear for that and I would think that somebody would tell me if we have a major problem."

McCoist feels he will need to freshen up his Rangers squad in January as he believes the race for the second tier title will go right to the wire.

He said: "Hearts have good depth to their squad and they are doing well. It looks as though it's going to go all the way.

"Hibs have been unfairly written off before now, which we always thought was crazy. But after their performance at Livingston at the weekend they are still very much in it."