Although Derek McInnes hoped that Rangers would have "one or two" bits of business done ahead of last night's friendly with Saint-Etienne, a couple of efforts that "hit the post" prevented any more debuts.
All six of the summer arrivals featured in a 2-1 win over Ian Cathro's outfit, with Ivor Pandur impressive and Cammy Devlin and Lawrence Shankland both sharp. Dan Neil's defence-splitting pass created a late penalty, while Ben Godfrey and Ross McCrorie each got good minutes as part of a new-look back four.
However, in a game where Findlay Curtis was the only winger handed minutes and Paul Nsio covered in defence, as he did in the club's first pre-season game against Raith Rovers, the areas that need strengthening remain clear, with eight days until the season opener against Dundee United.
"We are looking quite close to completing one or two things," McInnes said. "I know I said we’d try to get one or two done for tonight. I think we hit the post with one or two, but we’re still close. I certainly think we’ll be at least two in for Sunday’s game and hopefully another one next week for Dundee United.
"Well, I think the recruitment team have been really aggressive. We’re clear on what we’re trying to do. In terms of the positions we’ve identified, it’s clear to me we need a bit more in wider areas and we could do with another defender in the building."
As reported a fortnight ago, the additions targeted before the start of the season were a right-winger, an option in defence, preferably left-footed, and Vanja Dragojevic.
The Rangers Review reported last week that Dragojevic was the current priority target in midfield and while some red tape has held up that particular announcement, the 20-year-old Serbian and Partizan Belgrade captain is now almost ready to be unveiled as a Rangers player.
With Nico Raskin expected to leave Ibrox at the right price this summer and Connor Barron and Mo Diomande both in the final two years of their deals, Dragojevic will add a natural midfield profile in McInnes' flexible 4-4-2 shape. He is viewed as having the talent and temperament to play at Ibrox and should form a strong partnership with Neil, the former Sunderland captain.
Another midfielder could also arrive. Rangers cannot - for both football and financial reasons - stockpile central options but the interest in Jens Hjerto-Dahl has been long-standing and the Norwegian has become the most talked about potential recruit amongst a support that are eager to welcome more new faces.
The Rangers Review previously revealed that Tromso were seeking a package of around £8.5million for Hjerto-Dahl, with both the club and the player content to see how the window unfolded. A move to Ibrox appeals to the 20-year-old but it is Cardiff City who currently have the biggest bid on the table after returning with their latest offer on Wednesday.
It is understood that no decision has been made on that proposal as yet and the Tromso hierarchy will meet later this week, with the future of Hjerto-Dahl high on the agenda.
Elsewhere, the Rangers Review previously reported that the club were looking to strike a deal with Troyes for 20-year-old defender Sankhoun Diawara, a left-footed centre-back who has no shortage of offers in Europe. It's understood that talks remain live with Diawara but another centre-back target is also currently being pursued simultaneously.
Rangers want to keep a pathway open for Ashton Scally, the talented young left-back, but remain light across the defence. Dujon Sterling didn't feature last night because he is due to play against West Ham.
The Rangers Review understands Brighton and Hove Albion winger Amario Cozier-Duberry is a target on the right wing, which has been a long-term problem area for the club. The 21-year-old, who enjoyed an excellent loan spell with Bolton last season, has no shortage of offers and coming from the English market, any deal would be highly competitive.
Rangers are understood to be monitoring several targets on the right wing due to the nature of that position in the market, especially for players that are left-footed. McInnes has utilised Diomande from the right in pre-season fixtures to offer the balance of a left-footer cutting infield and playing vertically, although with McCrorie not at his most natural in the final third, there is a need for more finesse on that side of the pitch.
Read more:
- The one underlying message that Derek McInnes is drilling into his Rangers squad
- One current Rangers player Derek McInnes thinks has 'huge potential' at Ibrox
Danilo and John Souttar were both left out of pre-season training in Spain ahead of exits and the Rangers Review understands that the forward is on the verge of completing a move to Brazilian side Botafogo. Souttar's impending departure comes in part as the club hierarchy look to restructure last season's leadership group following the exits of James Tavernier and Jack Butland.
Meanwhile, Calum Adamson, the 18-year-old midfielder who was involved in pre-season training in Spain, travelled with the Under-19s to England this week as they defeated a Manchester City side 1-0 in a closed-doors friendly. He will be allowed to leave the club on loan after an impressive year at Alloa, but this time, the midfielder will move on a straight loan deal and not a co-op deal.
There is interest from League Two south of the border. A more likely move, however, is to a club closer to home and there are suitors amongst the Championship clubs who will be looking to push for promotion this term.
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