Rangers to complete two transfer deals this week as club identify where swoops must take place
The manager confirmed their future plans after the 2-1 friendly victory over Saint-Etienne
Rangers boss Derek McInnes plans to make two more signings this week and ‘hopefully’ another next week with the domestic season commencing in just over seven days time.
All six of Rangers’ new signings featured in their friendly victory over Saint-Etienne in match where Lawrence Shankland and Thelo Aasgaard converted from the penalty spot either side of Jakob Breum’s equaliser. Speaking after the match, McInnes confirmed they’re not done yet and that more bodies are expected to be in the door before their Premiership opener against Dundee United on July 31, with particular emphasis on defenders and wingers.
As it stands, the manager himself won’t be in the dugout for the trip to Tannadice, after he earned a four match ban - with one game suspended - for his comments last season about Celtic’s controversial late penalty against Motherwell which he described as ‘disgusting’. The decision had huge title race ramifications for his then Hearts side, who ultimately fell short on the final day. Rangers have subsequently appealed the SFA ruling.
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Rangers transfer plans
Rangers will also face West Ham at Ibrox in their final friendly fixture before the new season kicks off. McInnes claims ‘one or two’ more signings will be made before then. He said: “I think the recruitment team have been really aggressive. It's clear for me we need a bit more in wider areas.
“We could do with another defender in the building. 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 there'll be at least two in for Sunday's game. Hopefully another one next week before Monday night.”
Midfielder Mohamed Diomande started on the right wing for Rangers, highlighting the need for reinforcements in this area. The club have been linked with Besiktas wide man and former loanee Vaclav Cerny, however Rangers may struggled to meet the Turkish side’s demands. Visa processing has reportedly delayed the deal for midfielder Vanja Dragojevic from Partizan Belgrade, but an official announcement is expected this week.
What was Derek McInnes’ reaction to the four match ban?
The Rangers boss added: “I had my hearing this afternoon and was pleased to put my points across. But I don't agree with it and the club don't agree with it. I'm glad that we're going to appeal against that but with it being an appeal process I'm reluctant and reticent to say any more on that.
“I've been a manager for 19 years now. Part of my job is you know you're going to be asked about contentious decisions. I've never wanted to make it personal. For me the decision was wrong. I made my points at the appeal today, but I do think in general broadcasters pay a lot of money to hear managers' reactions.
“We've got to be careful that we don't have managers and players who feel they have to be really sure of themselves and check themselves before answering a question. At no point was I wanting to inflame a situation. The situation was already getting discussed before I did my press. It was quite a big moment in the season and there was a lot of emotion but I felt as though what I said was controlled. That's what the appeal process will now discuss and consider.”