Sunderland battling Charlton to land Rangers midfielder Greg Docherty on loan

And the PA news agency in Scotland report the Black Cats are leading the race to add the 23-year-old.

Charlton have also made contact with Ibrox chiefs about taking the former Scotland youth international for the remainder of the season but the Stadium of Light is Docherty's preferred destination, claim PA.

They report: “Boyhood Rangers fan Docherty has featured just five times for Steven Gerrard's team this year but is not yet ready to give up on his dream.

“And he feels the opportunity on offer with Phil Parkinson's Black Cats - who recently signed Docherty's former Light Blues team-mate Kyle Lafferty - could yet help him prove to Gerrard he has a long-term future in Govan.

“The former Hamilton player made his Rangers switch in January 2018 but was farmed out to Sky Bet League One side Shrewsbury last season.”

He returned to Glasgow last summer but has been unable to dislodge Ryan Jack, Steven Davis and Glen Kamara from the Rangers midfield.

Gerrard admits it is unfair to keep him kicking his heels in the stands when he is at a point in his career when he needs to be playing games.

Gerrard, speaking last month, said: "Some players are doing nothing wrong at all. In fact some are doing more than enough to be recognised and put in. Unfortunately we can only put in 11 or pick 18 in the squad.

"The challenge for me is looking players in the eye and saying, 'Look, you're doing nothing wrong but I still can't get you in'.

"That's down to the form of other individuals in their positions. For example, Greg Docherty has been absolutely magnificent with his professionalism and training really well - but in his position we've had Ryan Jack who is arguably our player of the season.

"Greg has done absolutely nothing wrong so I have to be respectful for him and understand his situation. Maybe the best thing for him is to go play football. I can't stand in his way then.”