Ibrox boss Michael Beale has dropped a major hint that Rangers are set to spend big on a striker as the summer transfer window prepares to open.
While there have been five names closely linked to Rangers in the press of late, none of the targets allegedly close to an Ibrox switch are a striker.
This has kept Ibrox fans guessing as to who Michael Beale might have in mind when it comes to the position, the manager alluding to having a specific target earlier in the season.
Pressed on the situation involving the club’s striker position, Beale responded to transfer questions as the club announced the imminent departure of Colombian firebrand Alfredo Morelos.
“I’ve been thinking about it [who will replace Alfredo Morelos] since November,” said Beale ahead of the final game of the season against Hearts at Ibrox.
MORE RANGERS STORIES
“So I’ve had a lot of time to think and ponder, 27 games as well. You look at your team and you think maybe ‘what is missing, where do we need to go now, what type of energy, what type of striker will help us?’
“Good strikers cost quite a bit of money, so we’re away and very much down the line with some of our thinking on that.”
Rangers set to splash transfer cash on striker?
The comments suggest that, while the club has been linked to several pre-contract moves, Rangers are preparing to spend money on the transfer of a number one striker.
It is well overdue. Morelos has let the club down with his attitude over the last few seasons and the downturn in form which has proceeded it.
Antonio Colak – although netting 17 times this season – is not viewed as mobile enough to lead the line in the biggest games, while ruthless striker Kemar Roofe has been consistently injured during his time in Glasgow.
It means Rangers will need to sign at least one, and potentially two, new striking options heading into the summer, with all the attention on which strikers will be subject to transfer interest from the club.
There have been extensive links to Josh Maja – who may yet get a contract extension at Bordeaux – while the likes of Utrecht forward Tasos Douvikas and Rijeka striker Matija Frigan have been mentioned.
There have also been extensive links to Antalyaspor striker Haji Wright amid claims Rangers had a £7m bid rejected [Milliyet] for the USA international striker ahead of the summer window.