PRESTON’S £500K BID FOR WINDASS IS REJECTED

RANGERS last night rejected a £500,000 bid from Preston North End for Josh Windass. The Ibrox club are seeking a fee in excess of £1.5million for the 23-year-old and expect an increased offer from the English Championship side. League One leaders Wigan Athletic are also poised to join the bidding. Windass, 23, is under contract until 2020 and will feature in the squad to face Celtic today after serving a one-match suspension during the 2-0 win over Motherwell in midweek. A key player this season, Windass has claimed six goals — emerging as a driving force since the sacking of former manager Pedro Caixinha. As

Sportsmail first revealed, Rangers also face a fight to hold onto full-back James Tavernier in the face of interest from Championship club Sunderland. Tavernier has 18 months left on his contract and the Ibrox side are prepared to listen to offers. Rangers youngster Ross McCrorie, meanwhile, admits he is living the dream after he and twin brother Robby both agreed four-and-a-half year contract extensions. The Auchenhowie academy graduate has been rewarded with a new deal after making a successful start to his first-team career. And the Ibrox defender said: ‘I’m delighted to commit for the four-and-ahalf years, especially at a club like Rangers — it’s massive. ‘It’s the club I’ve supported ever since I was a little boy and I don’t want to be playing anywhere other than Rangers. ‘The last few months have been great and a dream come true. I’m thankful for getting the chance and ever since I’ve been getting games, so it’s been brilliant.’ Former boss Caixinha handed McCrorie his first-team debut during a Betfred Cup clash against Partick Thistle back in September, while he went on to make his first start days later in an Ibrox Old Firm clash with Celtic. In total he has made 17 appearances so far and while he is most comfortable at centre-back, new boss Graeme Murty has deployed him in a midfield anchor role of late and he thanked his manager for that show of faith. ‘He’s been great and I know him as well from the Under-20s,’ he said. ‘He’s moved me into the midfield since he has come in and he has helped me out a lot with my game as well. ‘I was out on loan in the last couple of seasons, so playing in the Premiership is a much higher level and I think I have coped pretty well.’