Seven free agent strikers Rangers could sign after injury hammer blow as Derek McInnes seeks firepower

Rangers are being forced back into the striker market after a hammer blow injury to Youssef Chermiti.

Shortly after rejecting a big-money bid from Galatasaray for the ex-Everton forward, Chermiti suffered an ACL injury against Hibs, during a 2-1 Premiership defeat. He is now out for a ‘significant’ period of time according to the club and now they must seek an alternative when previously it did not appear likely that a striker was on their agenda.

Manager Derek McInnes said on the potential of replacing Chermiti: “We are trying to be quite proactive with that and see what is available. Obviously, number nines are normally the most difficult ones to get. We are looking at various options at the minute and trying to land on the right one that we can bring in. We are looking for a bit of pace at the top end of the pitch. There is something missing in the profile of Youssef, but we are clear on what we want and we will work hard to get as close to that as possible.”

So as Rangers go looking for a new striker, with a major transfer outlay already paved out, they could seek a bargain option in the free agent category. Here are seven options available for Rangers, from those formerly of Manchester United and West Ham, to a converted striker scoring goals aplenty.

Anthony Martial

French forward can play anywhere across the forward line and would add the pace McInnes seeks. Career has gone sideways since leaving Manchester United but his talent is undoubted. A gamble but Rangers are approaching that kind of territory.

Elijah Adebayo

Left Luton Town last month after returning from an ACL injury earlier this year. The 27-year-old has been on trial at Bristol City but no deal has been agreed. Standing at 6 ft 4 in, he’d provide a physical option in attack, scoring 47 times in 184 Luton outings.

Danny Ings

Englishman comes with vast experience at the likes of Burnley, Liverpool, West Ham United and most recently Sheffield United. Now 34, so not a long-term option, but that’s not a deal-breaker in a needs-must scenario.

Marcus Forss

Finnish international is seeking pastures new after time at Middlesbrough ended with a loan to Bolton Wanderers. Can also play out wide if need be and has been a regular at English Championship level.

Jamie Vardy

Leicester City icon in now 39 but showed in Italy at Cremonese that there’s life in the old dog yet. He’ll turn 40 this season, however, there’s no indications of retirement. A good impact option with experience to develop those around him?

Jordan Ayew

Looked impressive in spells for Ghana at the World Cup. Extensive English experience with Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and others, although the 34-year-old probably isn’t someone to bank on scoring 20 goals a season. More of a facilitator but that could free Lawrence Shankland up to focus on goal-getting.

Sylla Sow

Bringing over 100 Eredivisie appearances, the 30-year-old has largely played in Holland, outside a stint at Sheffield Wednesday. Time in Saudi Arabia at Abha has ended with a goal explosion and conversion into a centre-forward. 27 goals and 6 assists in 34 games at the Saudi First Division League level last term.

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