6 Premiership stars Rangers could sign this summer transfer window amid Andrew Cavenagh pledge
Here are a selection of Premiership players Rangers could sign this summer transfer window.
Rangers are set to shop close to home this summer transfer window amid surging rumours and Andrew Cavenagh’s latest declaration.
Recruitment was patchy in the first two windows under the ownership of 49ers Enterprises and the US health insurance tycoon, backing Russell Martin last year by shopping in England, then turning to Europe under current head coach Danny Rohl. Now Cavenagh has confirmed transfer business from sides around them in the Premiership will be sought after a disappointing third place finish behind Celtic and Hearts.
He said this month: “We have a pro-Scottish bias in the club today. Meaning, if you have two players roughly equal and one is Scottish then we will take the Scottish player. When we look at what positions we are filling we don’t start with people, we start with profiles. What positions is it, what type of person is it. An athletic centre-back or a ball-winning centre-back for example. How big, how fast? And we are always asking who is Scottish that fits that profile. Every time, we are looking at that.
“That’s not to say we can just go out and grab 11 Scots off the street and win the title. It is a bias towards Scottish players, but that doesn’t mean that’s the only criteria we look at to build a winning team. I would say we equally look at an SPFL bias. If we’re looking at two players who are roughly similar, and one has extensive SPFL experience against one that does not, we would take the SPFL experienced player.
“I would say that our European qualification has little impact on what we are trying to do this summer. We’re trying to build a squad to win the league. Our focus is on winning the league first and foremost. We do want to play at the highest possible level in Europe, for the prestige, the competition and selfishly the revenue as well, but our squad rebuild this summer won’t be dictated in August. It’s already planned for, and starts tomorrow.”
With that in mind, here are six stars Rangers could consider.
Lawrence Shankland (Striker, Hearts)
The one on everybody’s lips. He is on the Rangers radar this summer a year on from being a free agent option for the Light Blues prior to resigning with Hearts. Across his entire stint at Tynecastle spanning almost four years, he has netted 88 goals alongside 29 assists, playing 171 times. Has further experience with Aberdeen, Ayr United, Dundee United and more in Scotland.
Elliot Watt (Midfielder, Motherwell)
Motherwell ball-playing number six was key to a possession based style under Jens Berthel Askou as the Steelmen enjoyed an excellent season. They finished a place below Rangers but head coach Askou is now gone to Ligue 1’s Toulouse and several stars are linked to bigger clubs. Has shown he can be brilliant in a team that dominates the ball in Scotland and another currently linked to Rangers.
Luke Graham (Centre-back, Dundee)
The third Premiership star who has strong rumours to Rangers bubbling. A clutch of European and English clubs have been alerted to the mobile and physically strong Dundee centre-back. Plenty of room for development and a call-up to the Scotland camp for training ahead of the World Cup shows how highly he’s rated.
Lewis Mayo (Centre-back, Kilmarnock)
A name familiar to Rangers fans as he came through the academy in Govan before forging his senior career at Kilmarnock. Has impressed for Killie and is a pre-contract target for Rangers. Perhaps not a starter, but for squad depth and to help tick the UEFA homegrown quota box, Mayo would be a reliable player to draft in domestically. Can also play right-back if needed.
Josh Mulligan (Midfielder, Hibs)
One that got away from Rangers. He has spoken openly of how the club courted him last summer as his Dundee deal ran down before Hibs signed him. Has dealt with injury this season but first half of the term at Easter Road showed he’s one of the league’s best combative midfielders. Could play right-back but midfield clearly his area of strength.
Elijah Just (Attacker, Motherwell)
The only non-Scot on the list but the New Zealand international’s first term at Fir Park proved he’s got the ability to take him far. Will have the chance to shine at the World Cup this summer after excelling with great technical play across wide, number 10 and false nine positions at Motherwell. PFA Scotland Player of the Season-nominated star alongside Shankland.