Rangers boss Michael Beale has hinted that the Ibrox club have already identified several key targets ahead of a summer transfer overhaul.
The Ibrox manager felt the pressure of the Ibrox support for the first time over the weekend as his selections and in-game choices were heavily scrutinised in the aftermath of the League Cup Final defeat to Celtic.
Whilst Michael Beale was defiant in that regard, the Rangers manager was clear that changes are in the offing and that “three of four” first-team bonafide starters are in the club’s sights.
What’s more, the Englishman also claimed that both he and Rangers have already identified who that might be, whilst getting unreliable players out of the club is also a key concern.
Michael Beale wants “three of four” big signings
“I think we need to recruit three or four that are going to make a massive impact on the team,” said Michael Beale [Rangers].
“We need to sort out the futures obviously of the ones that are there. And it may be that I feel that we need to change one or two that are in contract as well.
“But we know come the summer, it’s an interesting moment for the club in terms of changing the makeup of the group. I’ve sat in front of you before and said that I think 25 percent of the squad will turn over. I said that in one of my first meetings. I’m sticking by that, that’s still the case.
“We need to reduce the number of the squad. If you look at our squad, we’ve carried a large number of players because of injuries.
“We need to reduce the number of the squad. In terms of our budget, I think it is outlaid a little bit large in terms of numbers. So, we want to reduce the number and increase the quality.
“I think I know where you’re going with the questioning, and I agree, we need to do some really, really good work.
“And listen, I’m sat here as the coach and I came back knowing that, the last 90 days I haven’t had many surprises about how big the job is.
“I didn’t think I was going to walk in and win the first 15 games and pick up the League Cup and everything would be rosy. I knew there’d be some bumps on the road.
“When they come, they don’t feel good if I’m honest. But come this summer I’ve identified some players. The club’s identified some players. To me, it’s about going and getting that work done swiftly now.”
Rangers fans are really heaping the pressure on Michael Beale and his charges who can see things unravel if they fail to get back to winning ways against Kilmarnock.
Derek McInnes is expecting a tough test at Ibrox.