Returning star Ianis Hagi is won't be leaving Rangers for Galatasaray or anyone else according to Michael Beale.

The Romanian international was born in Istanbul while his storied father Gheorghe captained the Turkish giants to great success, including a European trophy, in the late 1990s.

Rumours have persisted that an emotional transfer deal to take Hagi back to the club where his Dad is an icon is high on Gala's agenda.

Asked directly about the persistent stories on the subject, the Rangers manager moved to emphatically rule out any such move - and to anyone else. 

He said: "Galatasaray is close to his heart because he was born there and his Dad played there but Ianis Hagi is going to play for Rangers for a few more years yet. So I can dispel that rumour."

The 24-year-old international played the final 18 minutes in a straightforward win against St Johnstone, his first time on the Ibrox turf in over a year following an ACL injury against Stirling Albion that derailed his career.

A key creator in their last Rangers title win, the Romianian's guile was on show in flashes during the final stages of the match with one outstanding pass very nearly setting up Antonio Colak for an easy finish.

And Beale hopes the talented no.10 can find form over the coming weeks and put himself in serious contention for a spot against Celtic at Hampden in the Viaplay Cup Final.

"Today was about getting Ianis out in front of the crowd after being out for a year with injury," Beale admitted. "Let's see how he settles but by the end of the month he will be wanting to start in a cup final, not watch one!"