With a matter of hours left to hand Russell Martin the upgrades that he needs following a disastrous start to life at Ibrox, Rangers have reportedly turned their focus towards a former academy graduate.
Who Rangers could sign on deadline day
It’s been a big summer for Rangers. The Gers have welcomed over 10 fresh faces, new ownership and a new manager in Martin. So far, however, things haven’t exactly gone to plan. The Gers are winless in the Scottish Premiership, out of the Champions League in humiliating fashion and some are already questioning Martin’s ability to turn things around.
Alas, the transfer window is still open. There is still time for Rangers to welcome some much-needed upgrades and there are still a number of players to watch. Among the reinforcements that are likely to arrive is a replacement for Hamza Igamane.
The talented forward refused to come off the bench during Rangers’ draw with St Mirren earlier this month before swiftly sealing a move to LOSC Lille to leave the Gers scrambling for options.
Several names have been mooted since then and another forward could arrive even after Bojan Miovski signed on the dotted line. In that department, the Scottish giants could certainly do with all the help they can get after yet another lackluster display going forward against Old Firm rivals Celtic.
One of the names mentioned to that end has been Youssef Chermiti. The young Everton forward has struggled with injuries and struggled to break into the Toffees’ strongest side since arriving from Sporting Club in 2023, but a loan move could quickly turn his fortunes around.
Meanwhile, alongside an inexperienced option, Rangers have also reportedly set their sights on signing a Scotland international in a last-minute move.
Rangers readying McLean move
According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Rangers are now readying a late move to sign Kenny McLean from Norwich City. The 33-year-old, who has made 41 appearances for Scotland, is currently struggling to break into Liam Manning’s strongest side despite the Canaries’ poor start in the Championship and could move on as a result.
Amid all of their own current struggles, Rangers would benefit from McLean’s experience at both club and international level. It’s on the biggest stage that he’s earned the highest praise too.
Former teammate and ex-Celtic man Stephen O’Donnell told reporters in the build-up to Euro 2024: “His physicality is good as well, he has got pretty much everything.
“Kenny has had a good career and I will be looking forward to seeing what role he has in the upcoming games. At this stage now, the team has been together that long, they all bring their own characteristics to the table and Kenny is a lively lad.”
In what is expected to be a busy deadline day, the midfielder would stand out as a solid arrival for those at Ibrox, who must get things right.