Liverpool are keen on finding defensive reinforcements (Credits: Imago Images)
Rangers manager Derek McInnes has made clear that a shortage of attacking recruits will not be tolerated as an excuse when the season begins.
The new Ibrox boss opens his reign with a trip to Tannadice to face Dundee United in what promises to be a testing first competitive outing.
Rangers head into the fixture with a squad that looks vastly different from the side that stumbled to a third-place finish in the Premiership last term.
McInnes has confirmed the signing of Philadelphia Union centre-back Olwethu Makhanya as his eighth summer addition ahead of the trip to Tayside.
The £3 million South African international arrives as the latest recruit, but concerns remain about Rangers’ firepower further up the pitch.
Of the eight signings made so far, only new captain Lawrence Shankland operates in the final third of the pitch.
Those concerns deepened after Rangers failed to score from open play in back-to-back friendlies against St Etienne and West Ham.
McInnes addressed the squad’s limitations directly, saying: “We’re still a good bit short in terms of what we want to do.”
Despite that admission, he was unequivocal in his demands, adding: “I don’t want to make any excuses. There’s no excuse if we don’t win the game.”
The manager acknowledged Dundee United hold an experience advantage, having already played four competitive games heading into the fixture.
“Dundee United have got an advantage in that they’ve played four competitive games and we haven’t,” McInnes said, though he stressed Rangers have their own significant advantages.
One player who will not be arriving at Ibrox is Tromso winger Jens Hjerto-Dahl, with the club no longer pursuing the Norway Under-21 international.
Rangers had previously been linked with the highly-rated 20-year-old, but those hopes have now completely faded and talks have ended.
Coventry winger Jahnoah Markelo remains on Rangers’ radar as McInnes continues his search for the right addition on the flank.
The pursuit of a right-sided winger became more urgent after Oliver Antman completed a £4.3 million move to Anderlecht earlier in the window.
McInnes was candid about where improvements are needed, saying: “We’re looking at the right-hand side more than anything. It’s pivotal for us.”
Djedi Gassama has featured on the right flank but is naturally more comfortable operating on the opposite side of the pitch.
McInnes praised the Frenchman’s potential but made clear expectations remain high, saying: “I think Gass has got the potential to be what we want here, and we’re just looking for that a bit more often.”
The former Sheffield Wednesday player will need to demonstrate consistency before McInnes hands him a guaranteed starting position in the side.
Defensive depth at left-back is another area of concern, with Tuur Rommens currently the only senior option available after Ashton Scally picked up an ankle injury.
McInnes confirmed: “Ashton’s been injured since I came in. He’s had an ankle issue and he’s still in a boot at the minute.”
The manager outlined his remaining transfer priorities clearly, stating: “We’re still looking to bring in two defenders and one of them will be left-sided.”
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