Rangers don’t have a great track record of January transfer signings making an immediate impact and Philippe Clement will be hoping for change in fortunes.
The manager has pleaded for patience with a squad that he is looking to rebuild and Patrick Stewart being appointed as CEO alongside Nils Koppen’s promotion to technical director should help his cause.
One name who emerged as a surprise target and the focal point of a potential Old Firm transfer battle is Brighton’s Evan Ferguson with Rangers looking to strengthen the forward line.
Rangers learn fate in Evan Ferguson chase
Speaking as part of Brighton’s pre-match press conference, Seagull’s boss Fabian Hurzeler has clarified the young striker’s position when asked about reports that the Republic of Ireland international could be available for loan:
“I don’t know from where this information comes because I said to Evan that I am happy he is here with the team,” said Hurzeler.
“I am happy how he is training, what shape he is in physically, mentally.
“Of course, he is a young player and needs game time.
“Get yourself in the mood and the shape that, when you get the chance, you are ready.
“It is exactly that which I demand from Evan and also what I said to him.
“I never said anything to him about a loan or anything like this.”
Do Rangers need to add a striker in January?
Successful Rangers teams of the past have always had a group of four strikers with different qualities.
Danilo and Cyriel Dessers are traditional number nines but play the role in a completely different way.
Dessers wants to be the target for the final ball or cross whereas Danilo isn’t afraid to link play and create space for others.
Hamza Igamane still has a lot to learn but, if anything, has shown that he looks more comfortable on the wing.
When the young Moroccan plays centrally, he naturally wants to drift out to the flanks.
What Rangers need is not a target man or poacher, but a Gabriel Amato type No.10, a striker capable of leading the line on his own or of dropping into a slightly deeper position.
With Ferguson seemingly going nowhere, Koppen will have to look somewhere else.
