Kris Boyd has urged Rangers to go all out to secure Ryan Kent on a new bumper contract.

The Ibrox winger's current deal runs out in the summer, meaning he is free to speak to other clubs this January window.

Kent has been off the boil for Rangers this term, but the former Liverpool man produced the goods against Celtic on Monday as he supplied a stunning finish to edge his team back into the game.

There have been glimpses of Kent’s quality throughout the season, but he simply has been nowhere near the levels that Rangers supporters know he is capable of.

Despite this, Boyd feels the Englishman does have a future at Ibrox and he hopes the powers at be can offer a new contract before transfer suitors come calling.

He told Sky Sports News: “With Ryan Kent, Rangers must find a way to keep him at the football club. I totally understand he might want the opportunity to speak to other clubs.

“I think Ryan Kent loves it at Ibrox. He is adored by the fans, there is no doubt he can get back to his best. We have talked about his numbers and there is no doubt he can improve.

“He brings so much more to the team now as well. He is one that I think you really need to get tied down. I think with him he is not throwing in the towel and saying ‘I am moving on’.

“I get it might be the same as Connor Goldson and you wait until the summer, to see exactly what is happening. There is nothing wrong with Ryan Kent going and exploring what is there because he knows exactly what Rangers can give him.”

Michael Beale will also be looking to add some new faces to his Rangers squad in January and central midfield appears to be a priority, especially given Steven Davis has been ruled out for the rest of the season.

Boyd reckons his former club should look to a familiar face in John Fleck as a possible option from Sheffield United, where he is currently out of favour. He added:  "The obvious one for me would be John Fleck. Michael Beale has spoken about that central midfield area.

"John Fleck has been at Rangers before. He has been brought up in it. He is a totally different player now from the one that left Rangers. People like him would be on my radar.

"I wouldn't be rushing in and just grabbing players for the sake of it, especially in January. A lot of the time players haven't been playing for their football clubs.

"It is important Rangers do their recruitment properly because this window and the next one are huge and deals need to be done. If deals are to be one in January I am sure Michael Beale will want to get them done.

"I think the summer is the most important window because there is an overhaul of the squad needed."