DUNFERMLINE hope to clinch a loan deal for Rangers defender Lewis Mayo ahead of the new Championship campaign.

The Ibrox kid spent the second half of last season with Partick Thistle and is now poised to return to the second tier this term.

Mayo has been involved with Steven Gerrard's squad over the last two campaigns but will leave on loan in search of regular first team football.

And Dunfermline are keen to strike an agreement to take Mayo to East End Park as they prepare for the new Championship season that is due to get underway next month.

The move to the Pars will see Mayo come up against Auchenhowie team-mate Josh McPake this term as the winger closes in on a season-long deal with Morton.

McPake struggled to make an impact during a spell with Dundee last season but will now move to Cappielow after the Ton beat Linfield to his signature.