Hardie was recalled by Rangers this month from Livingston.
Liam Kelly has demanded Rangers striker Ryan Hardie returns to Livingston this month after the player was recalled by Steven Gerrard, and the goalkeeper has given Hardie “three days”.
Hardie, 21, has been on fire for Livi of late, scoring five goals in just seven Scottish Premiership appearances after finally recovering from a long-term foot injury and returning to action with Gary Holt’s side.
His form has been so impressive, though, that Hardie was recalled by Gerrard and he joined Rangers on their mid-season training camp trip to Tenerife. It allowed Gerrard to take a look at the Rangers academy product.
Talks are reportedly ongoing between Rangers and Livi, with the newly-promoted side looking to take him on loan again until the end of the season. Kelly, who played with Hardie at Rangers, is desperate to have him back.
Hardie, who has played 17 times for Rangers’ senior side and scored two goals, was loaned to Livi last season. He was crucial in their promotion to the top flight, and has since starred at the Tony Macaroni Stadium.
Rangers are hardly light in the final third, after completing the signing of 57-time England international Jermain Defoe. He joins Alfredo Morelos and Kyle Lafferty as options up front – meaning Hardie is likely to be fourth choice.
Livi and Rangers have two weeks to agree a deal, with the January transfer window slamming shut at 11pm on January 31.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
