Rangers are hopeful of finalising terms on a permanent transfer for Hearts striker Kyle Lafferty before the weekend, according to a report.

Gers boss Steven Gerrard has refused to comment on speculation linking his side with a move for the 30-year-old, who is understood to be valued at £750,000.

The Daily Record suggests that, following a failed bid earlier in the week that involved Lee Wallace heading in the opposite direction, the Ibrox outfit are now within 48 hours of striking a deal.

Lafferty has already made over 100 appearances for Rangers from his first spell at the club, scoring 31 league goals between 2008 and 2012.

Speaking before the Northern Ireland international struck the winner against Celtic last weekend, Hearts boss Craig Levein admitted that the ongoing interest in his player has been an unwanted distraction.