Manager Ally McCoist believes Daniel Cousin will be just as influential second time around at Rangers if they can secure his return to Ibrox.
The Scottish champions are holding talks with the striker about a move back to the club he left in a reported £3million move to Hull in 2008.
McCoist is desperate to bolster his attacking options following the departure of top goalscorer Nikica Jelavic to Everton last month and hopes 35-year-old Cousin could be the answer.
He said: "I've spoken to Daniel at great length over the last few days.
"I've watched his performances in the African Nations Cup as well and he is very keen to come.
"When he was here was a big, strong powerful centre forward.
"Having looked at his performances closely in the African Nations Cup, that doesn't seem to have altered at all.
"He has a very physical presence and can still score a goal. He would certainly be a welcome addition to our squad.
"I don't think, in all honesty, that I can remember a more physical or bigger, stronger centre-forward with a bit of pace as well.
"I had a great relationship with Daniel and hopefully that can continue."
If Cousin does return to Rangers, he faces an immediate ban for the red card he picked up in his last game for the club - a 4-2 win over Celtic in August 2008.
McCoist said: "Just for the record, I thought he was wrongly sent off in his last game to be quite honest with you and so did the vast majority of other people.
"I thought he was absolutely outstanding in his last game for Rangers. It was maybe even his best game for Rangers.
"I've got no problem at all with his temperament. You do have a concern with the way the game's going in terms of the physical side of things, you're not allowed to tackle anybody nowadays.
"That would be a concern more than anything but he's certainly not over-aggressive or anything other than fair play from him."
Rangers and the Scottish Football Association are awaiting confirmation from the Gabon FA on when Cousin's contract with FC Sapins expired and that the player is indeed a free agent.
And McCoist admits finances have also yet to be agreed, with chairman Craig Whyte and chief operations officer Ali Russell in the process of thrashing out a deal.
He said: "I haven't spoken about money but I know that's getting done at the moment.
"The agent and Craig or Ali are definitely discussing terms so we are hopeful that won't be a stumbling block as well."
Even if he does land Cousin, McCoist says he could seek to add further personnel as he bids to resurrect Rangers' Clydesdale Bank Premier League title bid.
He said: "I'll keep looking and I'll keep asking the questions. Of course I will.
"It's not just my duty, it's anybody's duty in managing a team to look to strengthen all the time.
"Because the transfer window is closed, it makes it a little bit more difficult. But if the opportunity arose, I would look to use it."
Rangers head into Saturday's game against Dunfermline trailing Celtic by four points in the title race, which is now their only hope of silverware this season.
Asked if he faces the biggest challenge of his career, the former Ibrox striker said: "Absolutely. I would have had it down at the start of the season anyway as the biggest challenge.
"To retain your title when you start out, that's what you aim to do. Anything else is a bonus.
"We know what's left for us and that's obviously the title and everybody is 100% focused on achieving that goal and retaining it."
Celtic boss Neil Lennon described his own team's performance as "devastating" after cruising to a 4-0 win over Hearts on Wednesday night.
McCoist added: "I think they are playing well.
"But I've never worried about things that I can't have a bearing on and that's something that I can't have a bearing on so it doesn't particularly bother me.
"We have to get our own house in order and start winning games."
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