RANGERS have been handed a boost in their reported bid to land Danilho Doekhi on a pre-contract.

The Ibrox club have been linked with a move for the centre-back who is out of contract in the summer.

Vitesse were desperate to hang onto Doekhi, 23, but have now started to plan for life after the defender as he looks set to head for the exit.

The Eredivisie club were hopeful a last-ditch contract offer would see the player remain in the Netherlands but it appears discussions have failed.

Incoming Vitese technical director Benjamin Schmedes conceded he is now on the lookout for replacements with Doekhi to leave.

Speaking to GLD, he said: "We have no time to lose.

"We are going to tackle signings and I expect the first results in the spring.

"You can see it as a threat (Doekhi leaving), but I see it as challenging opportunities."

Ranges have already signed up John Souttar for a pre-contract move in the summer but doubts remain over Connor Goldson's future.

The centre-back is out of contract at Ibrox in the summer and has yet to agree fresh terms.

But managing director Stewart Robertson insisted Rangers are not resigned to losing Goldson with sporting director Ross Wilson in regular contact with players over their contract situations.

He told Sky Sports: “The focus has all been on the last dozen football games, European games, and Scottish Cup. We're not resigned to losing him.

"I know Ross (Wilson) is having regular conversations with all the players whose contracts are expiring in the summer and that's something that will be addressed in the coming months.