RANGERS have rejected a bid of around £500,000 from Preston North End for midfielder Josh Windass.

Deepdale boss Alex Neil has already returned to the Scottish market to bolster his squad this winter after striking a deal to sign Motherwell forward Louis Moult.

And Windass is also on his shopping list for the January transfer window as he looks to guide his side into the Championship play-off places this term.

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But Rangers have thrown out an initial approach for the 23-year-old as boss Graeme Murty considers his options for the coming weeks of wheeling and dealing.

Windass has scored six goals in 23 appearances for the Light Blues so far this season and is under contract until 2020.

He moved north of the border from Accrington Stanley last year but it is only in recent months that he has started to establish himself.

And North End will have to return to the negotiating table and up their bid if they are to tempt Rangers into doing business.