HIBERNIAN are set to make their move to land Rangers midfielder Ross McCrorie on a permanent deal as Jack Ross looks to bolster his Easter Road ranks.

Herald and Times Sport revealed last week that Ross had identified McCrorie as one of his top targets this summer and was leading the race to beat off competition from England and abroad for the Rangers star.

A first bid of around £200,000 is expected from Hibs as Ross makes his move to land the Scotland Under-21 internationalist on a permanent basis.

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard remains keen to retain McCrorie as part of his squad this term but it is understood the 22-year-old is open to a switch away from Ibrox in order to play first team football.

A loan deal could still be agreed if the clubs cannot reach a settlement on a transfer fee as McCrorie considers his options over the best move for his career this summer.

McCrorie was part of the Gers squad for the Europa League clash with Bayer Leverkusen last midweek but didn’t make Gerrard’s matchday group for the Premiership opener with Aberdeen or the win over St Mirren on Sunday.

McCrorie spent last season on-loan at Portsmouth and still has two years to run on his current Light Blues contract but the lure of regular action may be enough to tempt him away from his boyhood heroes.