The former Arsenal youth was proving a revelation up front for Town with his pace and power and habit of winning penalties.
Loaned as part of the deal that saw Michael Boulding move to Barnsley, Rankin is badly needed by Town who have struggled in front of goal since he picked up an ankle injury against Notts County.
The 26-year-old is still not 100% but is recovering faster than expected. In fact he could make the squad for the Chesterfield trip, assuming he's signed up.
Any deal will only be until the end of the season, with the board refusing to sign anyone on longer term contracts until the clubs future is known in terms of what division we'll be playing in.
The permanent signing of Rankin would give Law three loans to play with, at least one of them is likely to be used before Thursday's deadline with a Premiership youngster the likely target