Gerrard looking to free up funds

Gerrard is well aware that a large portion of funds at the Ibrox club are being spent on players currently away from the club. 

The likes of Carlos Pena and Eduardo Herrera are just two of the high earners plying their trade elsewhere; and, with many more faces in the same situation, the Rangers boss knows that he will have to be clever in the upcoming transfer window, if he is to reinforce his side. 

Since the summer, Rangers have loaned out a string of players that are not in the manager's plans, but given that they pay a substantial part of their wages, Rangers lack sufficient funds to spend on top quality replacements.

Boss Steven Gerrard spoke of his wishes for the imminent January transfer window, saying: "Between now and January 5 we'll make a decision on Pena. Does he have any future here? I think that would be a very long shot. Could it affect January? I don't know. "

He continued: "That's a question you'd have to ask people above me, but it is a frustration when you know large sums of money are going out of the club and we're not getting any contribution for it. That's the reality and the facts of it."

"Some of the players not with me are earning big money
 compared to the rest of the group. That's money I could be doing with to recycle, make the team stronger and make it compete better. Hopefully we can wheel and deal, move people on, bring others in and put us in a better position,"Gerrard concluded.

One player who would be of interest to the Ibrox club is Everton youngster Kieran Dowell, who would be a welcome low-cost addition to Gerrard's squad. 

Although Dowell was kept with the senior side, and has already made two appearances this season, it is thought that the Premier League club would sanction a loan deal, so that he could get more regular playing time elsewhere. 

However Rangers boss Gerrard refused to enter too much into discussions on the youngster, simply stating: "He's an Everton player so I can't say anything else on him at the moment - but he's certainly one I admire."