Rangers dream starting XI after January transfer window including Leeds Utd attacker + 2 returning Ibrox stars

Kwame Poku of Peterborough United has been linked with a move to Rangers | Getty Images

A look at how Rangers could line up in the Scottish Premiership after the January window has slammed shut

Rangers have endured a disastrous start to their Scottish Premiership campaign so far and are desperately in need of January reinforcements.

The transfer rumour mill is already in full swing and a number of names have been linked with a move to Ibrox in recent weeks, but financial constraints could mean manager Philippe Clement has to look down the loan market route.

The Belgian boss will be forced to wheel and deal again this winter, which could see the likes of fringe players Rabbi Matondo, Kieran Dowell and Leon King all moved on to free up wages.

Nathan Patterson - Everton

The right-back was sold to the Premier League outfit for a fee in the region of £11million including add-ons in January 2022, but things haven’t worked out the way the Scotland international would have hoped. Finds himself well down the pecking order at Goodison Park and could be open to a loan move back to Ibrox with captain James Tavernier likely to be fazed out of the team going forward.

Kwame Poku - Peterborough United

The Light Blues have been tipped to beat Crystal Palace to the promising 23-year-old attacker’s signature. Poku will have just six months remaining on his Peterborough contract and will be allowed to open talks with interested parties in January.

Ryan Kent - Free agent

There has already been plenty of speculation around the Englishman heading back to Govan for a second spell. Still searching for a new club after having his contract terminated by Fenerbahce following a difficult spell in Turkey, the ex-Liverpool winger could bolster Clement’s options in the final third. His return would definitely split opinion among supporters.

Joe Gelhardt - Leeds United

The Elland Road frontman looks set to leave the English Championship table-toppers in search of more regular game time elsewhere and Ibrox has been floated as a possible destination. The 22-year-old was the subject of intense summer transfer interest, including Rangers and foreign clubs. It’s suggested Leeds would be highly unlikely to consider a permanent exit at this stage, however.

Here’s how Rangers could line-up after the January transfer window has concluded...

Jack Butland - GK
Nathan Patterson - RB
Leon Balogun - CB
John Souttar - CB
Jefte - LB
Connor Barron - CM
Nicolas Raskin - CM
Nedim Bajrami - CAM
Kwame Poku - RW
Ryan Kent - LW
Joe Gelhardt - ST