'There will be news': Rangers transfer target's absence explained after early Celtic interest

The Ibrox club are keen to strike a deal for Archer, who was left out of the Saints squad for the first time since late November for their 2-0 win over Stoke City on Saturday afternoon.

Archer, 24, is not a first-team regular for the Championship side and with Rangers hoping to bring in another No 9 to compete with Youssef Chermiti and Bojan Miovski, they are working on multiple options to replenish their squad.

Rangers have had two bids for Hansa Rostock hitman Ryan Naderi turned down and if a deal is to be struck with the 3. Liga side, it is likely Naderi would be loaned back to the German outfit. It has led to Ibrox recruitment chiefs pressing on with other avenues and Archer - who was earlier in the transfer window linked with Celtic - is one of them.

On Archer’s situation, Eckert said: There's been some conversations going on over the last few days, and I also think there will be some news over the next two days.

"I wish I could say something, I just say these last days they're always busy and there are so many conversations, but in both directions.

“Also for players coming in, sometimes you think you're very close, sometimes you think to be very far away, so let's just see what the next days bring."

Rangers are currently second in the Premiership behind leaders Hearts and have been catapulted back into the title race under Rohl.

They have already brought in left-back Tuur Rommens, midfielder Tochi Chukwuani and winger Andreas Skov Olsen, with more than £7 million spent on incomings.