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Report: Rangers make Arsenal’s Jon Toral their number one January target

Rangers manager Mark Warburton during the match (REUTERS)
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Glasgow Rangers boss Mark Warburton has previously worked with the Arsenal youngster during their time together at Brentford.

A report in the Daily Record has suggested that Rangers have made Arsenal youngster Jon Toral their number one target for the January transfer window, and that Mark Warburton has already held talks with the playmaker about an Ibrox loan.

The Record reports that Warburton had been linked with flying to Spain to speak with Jota about a move to the Gers. However, while it appears that it was a player that the Light Blues boss had on loan during his time in charge at Brentford that he went to speak to, the Record are now suggesting that the player in question was actually Toral.

Brentford's Jon Toral celebrates scoring their fourth goal and completing his hat trickJon Toral played under Warburton at Brentford

Like Jota, Toral is on loan at a Spanish club. And also like Jota, the 21-year-old is struggling to make an impact. The midfielder has made just five appearances in La Liga for Granada, and the Record reports that he is ready to cut his time with the club short.

This appears to have alerted Warburton, who has called upon former Gers and Gunners midfielder Mikel Arteta to help lure Toral towards the Scottish Premiership (via Record).

Though Toral has struggled in Spain this season, there is no question that he would be an excellent signing if Warburton managed to get a deal across the line.

Rangers manager Mark Warburton during the matchRangers manager Mark Warburton

While working with Warburton at Brentford, Toral proved to be a key player for the Bees as they surprised many by finishing the 2014/15 season in the play-off places in the Championship.

And he nearly guided Birmingham to a similar achievement last term. His eight goals and three assists were vital for the Blues.

And having worked with him previously, Warburton may perhaps feel confident that he will be able to get the best out of him once again should he move to Rangers this month.