Derek McInnes Reveals Rangers Double Transfer Plan Before Opener

Rangers manager Derek McInnes has revealed the club are working to complete two further signings before the Scottish Premiership season begins.

The Light Blues have already added seven players to the first-team squad this summer, with Vanja Dragojevic becoming the latest arrival.

The Serbian international was signed for a fee of just over £4m from Partizan Belgrade. However, the 20-year-old's deal remains subject to a successful visa application.

Regardless, McInnes is still seeking reinforcements in two clearly defined areas. The Scottish manager confirmed that the club are closing in on two players after their latest friendly against West Ham United. 

The Rangers boss also explained that one of the proposed transfers would be permanent, while the second could be structured as a loan.

His preference would be to secure both players on permanent deals. McInnes has made the need for greater defensive depth clear.

With the side preparing to play four matches across 12 days, including two league fixtures and two European ties, extra reinforcements will lend a hand to get through the calendar.

Defensive reinforcements have already included Ross McCrorie on a permanent deal and Ben Godfrey on a season-long loan with an option to buy.  

However, the condensed early calendar has convinced McInnes that the numbers remain light.

The manager also wants to add another attacking player capable of operating naturally from either flank.

Rangers are looking for more creativity in wide areas and somebody who can provide a better supply line to the club’s forwards.

That detail offers the clearest indication yet of how the remaining recruitment will be divided.

Likewise, this push might result in some changes in Djeidi Gassama's situation, who remains keen on staying at Ibrox.

However, with multiple clubs on the fence regarding the Mauritian international, an elusive offer might convince McInnes if he ends up getting more wingers than he can handle.

Nevertheless, after rebuilding the spine of the squad through the arrivals of Ivor Pandur, Ben Godfrey, Ross McCrorie, Dan Neil, Cammy Devlin, Lawrence Shankland and Dragojevic, attention has shifted to depth at centre-back and a different profile in the final third.

McInnes did not identify either target and there is still some uncertainty over the format of the second deal.

However, his expectation of an announcement within 48 hours suggests Rangers could make their eighth summer signing early in the week.

Should both moves be completed, Rangers’ summer intake would rise to nine. McInnes would then enter his first competitive match with additional cover for the condensed opening schedule.

The 55-year-old will also have a more natural wide option available to support Lawrence Shankland.