In 2016/17 Rangers have a chance to deliver the success that their fanbase craves. After four long years in the lower leagues they finally have the confidence and perhaps the manager to lead them to glory and have sealed their awaited return to the top tier, where they will face off against their old adversaries, Celtic.
Mark Warburton has a big transfer window ahead of him, having to put together a team that can compete in Scotland’s top flight. With four names having already arrived at Ibrox, including Joey Barton and Jordan Rossiter, it’s clear that he’s going to waste no time in going for the brightest and best that the Rangers name can attract, and it’s certain he’ll need them as it’s certainly not a given that they’ll breeze back to the very top.
Here are FIVE transfers that Rangers can’t afford to miss out on this summer…
Dominic Ball
Dominic Ball had an excellent season at Ibrox, on loan from Spurs, and must be a priority for Mark Warburton to re-sign this summer, either on another loan or as a permanent player – the semi-final against Celtic showed that he can compete at Scotland’s highest level.
We’re expecting a big turnaround of players at the Gers, but keeping a consistent core is vital if they are to challenge next season.
With first team opportunities likely to be limited at Spurs, he’s been linked with another season at Rangers.
Jason Cummings
The Daily Mail reported that Rangers managing direct Stewart Robertson had put in place a transfer for the Hibs striker before a deterioration in relations with the Edinburgh club in the wake of May’s cup final.
Perhaps when heads have cooled a little on both sides the Rangers hierarchy will come to the conclusion that the young striker is the man to fire them to silverware next season. With 25 goals for Hibs last term, he certainly has the pedigree to make an impact on Scotland’s top flight.
Sergi Canos
With the likes of David Templeton, Nicky Clark and Nicky Law leaving Rangers last week, the club could do with some attacking talent to replace them.
Sergi Canos is someone who can fill that void. Canos is said to be in a contract stand-off with Liverpool after impressing on loan at Brentford for a spell this season and Rangers are reported to be interested.
Frank McPartland has already utilised his Liverpool contacts to land Jordan Rossiter, and bringing Canos to the club would be another coup and statement of intent for the Ibrox side.
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Grant Ward
Another young English Premier League talent, Grant Ward could be the latest who moves on loan to Rangers from Tottenham Hotspur after reported interest from the Glasgow club.
Despite not breaking into the Spurs first team, he has experience at Chicago Fire, Coventry and most recently at Rotherham. He had a fine season in the Championship, and was almost ever present in the Millers’ midfield. He won their Young player of the Year award and has shown he has a bright future in the game.
Able to play across all the midfield positions, he would provide not just talent but also adaptability in a squad that’s lacking numbers.
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Danny Graham
Martyn Waghorn has proven to be a more than capable striker and with Kenny Miller scoring over 20 goals last season, Rangers haven’t lacked in attack.
Miller isn’t getting any younger though and a return to the flight for the former Scotland striker could prove a step too far. Danny Graham is a player apparently interesting Mark Warburton.
Not only does Graham offer talent up top, he’s an opportunity to get one up on their Glasgow rivals who are also reckoned to be tracking the out of contract striker.
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