Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has provided a transfer update ahead of the clash against Hibernian, conceding that his squad is ‘stretched’ in midfield, as quoted by the Daily Record.
The Gers head to Easter Road for the early kick-off on Sunday, looking to regain top spot in the table with an eighth clean sheet and a seventh win of the season.
However, injuries to both Joe Aribo and Ryan Jack ensure Gerrard is lacking in options in midfield, a shortage exacerbated by the decisions to let both Ross McCrorie and Greg Docherty leave the club last month.
Ahead of the fixture, he has reiterated his desire to add to the squad.
“In the midfield area, I feel we’re slightly stretched,” said Gerrard, as quoted by the Daily Record.
“I’m sure we’ll be fine for the weekend but I’d like to have another in – the right player who will improve the team and take us forward.”
He’s also hinted that he’s searching for a high quality, versatile player.
“Good midfielders can do both jobs,” he said, when asked about whether he was looking for a defensive or attack-minded midfielder.
Rangers boss Gerrard provides transfer update as midfielder search rumbles on – Verdict
Rangers have been busy this summer, completing more deals than many expected amid the global health crisis.
Jon McLaughlin, Leon Balogun, Calvin Bassey, Ianis Hagi, Cedric Itten and Kemar Roofe have all come through the door so far.
The midfield area has gone unstrengthened, though, and the draw away at Livingston in August exposed a lack of dynamism in that area of the pitch.
Injuries to key players have made the search for a new addition even more urgent, but Rangers have to get this one right.
Someone like Bongani Zungu of Amiens fits the profile in terms of the style of player required but the South Africa international is short of match fitness and would likely take several weeks to get up to speed.
The Gers need a player who can come in and provide an immediate boost and in doing so, aid the mounting of a genuine title challenge.
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