UPDATE: Craig Levein - We're still speaking to Rangers over potential Kyle Lafferty move. Read more here

RANGERS are closing in on a move for striker Kyle Lafferty as boss Steven Gerrard looks to make his 12th signing of the summer transfer window.

Hearts rejected an offer of around £200,000 for the Northern Irishman earlier this month but SportTimes understands that the deal has moved closer after a series of behind the scenes talks in recent days.

And that could see Lafferty clinch a return to Ibrox before the start of next week, six years after he left the Light Blues to join Swiss side Sion.

Boss Gerrard has overhauled his Gers squad this summer but remains in the market for further reinforcements before the end of the month.

Another central defender to provide back-up to Connor Goldson and Nikola Katic is also on his radar at present but it is the deal for Lafferty that could be the next one over the line.

The 30-year-old scored 19 times for Hearts last season and hit the only goal of the game in the victory over Celtic at Tynecastle on Sunday.

Gerrard recently thanked the Ibrox board for their financial backing and support as he has transformed Rangers on and off the park during the close season.

Chairman Dave King was present to see the win over St Mirren at the weekend as Rangers recorded their first Premiership victory under the guidance of their new manager.

Gerrard said: “We have had a couple of chats since he has been over, all very positive. He seems to be in a good place. I’m in a good place. It’s all positive.”