Rangers manager Philippe Clement has suggested that the club are working to sign multiple players in the January transfer window.
Speaking after the club’s 2-2 friendly draw with FC Copenhagen, the Ibrox manager was facing the press on everything from the club’s winter transfer business to fresh injuries in the squad.
And the soundbites surrounding potential January signings were certainly a lot more positive than the rather humdrum update the manager had given in Spain.
Philippe Clement on January signings
Stopping short of admitting anything was done, signed, or even close, the Rangers boss suggested that the club’s recruitment team are working tirelessly to get deals done.
What’s more, the Rangers manager is clear that the club need new recruits in the window if they’re to compete on three fronts this season.
“Everybody’s aligned about that, that we need a few more in certain positions,” said Philippe Clement when asked about the club’s January business.
“And everybody in the club who is involved in that is working day and night about that, I know.
“We are a lot in contact. It’s been really busy with those things but until a signature is set by three parties – player, we, and the other team – until that is not done, it’s not done.
“So I am waiting and I am focused on the players who are here, beside all the talks that we have with other players and looking at other players.
“So that’s my job to do in January. That’s why for every manager, when it’s the first of February, we are always very happy that this hectic period can stop.”
Asked if any deals were close, the Rangers manager said: “I get this question a few times but what is closer? So long as there is not a deal, you’re not closer or further away. There are some things close but it needs to be finished.”
The Rangers manager also said it was “clear” that the club cannot go into three competitions without substantial back-up in each position.
Rangers transfer window set to burst into life
So what does that mean for those Rangers fans who’re frantically updating their phone screens looking for transfer news in the window? That they’ll have to be patient.
It’s clear the club are working to strengthen in multiple positions with left-back – which was openly discussed by Clement – and the striker positions amongst the most pressing.
With news of Kieran Dowell sustaining a two-month injury blow too, and Sam Lammers leaving for Utrecht on loan, perhaps the club are a creative midfielder short.
Clement also claimed that young Cole McKinnon was only playing on the left-wing in the Copenhagen friendly because there were “no other wingers available for this game”.
Whilst we predict at least two more will be in the door and signed by the end of January, really we wouldn’t be surprised to see as many as four come through the door.
That said, one leading transfer journalist has been telling us Rangers need to sell before they can buy.
