Rangers could look to make up to three signings in the January transfer window with new Ibrox boss Philippe Clement prioritising a striker despite the limited funds at his disposal.
On Tuesday, ahead of the midweek Scottish Premiership clash with Dundee, Philippe Clement confirmed that he had attempted to sign Rangers’ £5 million summer signing Danilo when he was still at the helm of Belgian giants Club Brugge.
And, with the winter window now just two months ago, the Gers support can expect Clement to prioritise a number of other players he knows and likes, possibly those he has worked with before. Or, indeed, those – like Danilo – he wanted to work with before.
Rangers could sign a new striker in January
According to Football Insider, Mick Beale’s replacement is hoping for a minimum of two mid-season additions, even if a lack of funds following a summer of heavy spending is likely to limit Rangers to short-term or loan-to-buy deals.
Clement reportedly wants players for the here and now, rather than signings with an eye on the future. A striker is a priority. And do not be surprised if Rangers’ leading centre-forward targets are those the 49-year-old knows well from his time in charge of Club Brugge, Genk or Monaco.
Perhaps Myron Boadu, prolific at AZ Alkmaar, could potentially be an option on loan. The Dutchman has struggled in France. Emmanuel Dennis is another who may be available, the Nigeria international who worked with Clement in Brugge out of favour at Nottingham Forest.
For now, however, the identity of Clement’s targets remains a mystery, though few will be taken aback at suggestions that a new number nine is viewed as a necessity.
Clement has big plans
Cyriel Dessers has endured a miserable time since moving to Glasgow. Danilo has impressed, but his impact has been limited by injuries.
“I knew Danilo when he was at Ajax and I was at Brugge. We talked about him at the moment when he was struggling to get into the team at Ajax,” Clement tells the Daily Record.
“He was going to leave. We had some talks about that. But, finally, it did not happen. So I knew him already for a long time. He is someone with potential but who also still needs to learn a lot of the details of what the job is. But he has the potential to grow. And this is a good environment for him.”
Danilo scored a 93rd minute winner as Rangers came from behind to beat Hearts on Sunday.
