In the last two summers, Rangers have lost eight senior players, all for free and all were internationals, a situation Philippe Clement has to put a halt to.
The manager is fully aware that he is up against it and, so far, has sealed deals for Jefte, Oscar Cortes and Leon Balogun – there is still a lot of work to be done.
With five senior players leaving this summer, experience will need to be brought in alongside the talented youngsters with one journalist suggesting that a recent Rangers transfer rumour is merely a contingency.
READ MORE: Rangers transfer history from 2016 to present
Journalist clarifies Rangers transfer position on Reuell Walters
Ben Johnson and ‘top prospect’ Reuell Walters have both been linked with Bosman moves from the Premier League to head up the road to Ibrox.
Both are right-footed defenders capable of playing either at centre-half or right-back.
A poor man’s Dujon Sterling if you will.
The question that has been doing the rounds includes speculation on the future of James Tavernier who himself has been the subject of transfer reports.
If Rangers are trying to sign younger, more dynamic right-backs, where does this leave the skipper?
According to Scott Burns of The Daily Record, Tavernier is going nowhere after claiming that Walters is merely a player that Rangers like but isn’t a ‘priority’.
This could all change if the whispers from Saudi Arabia become something more concrete, a situation Tavernier has already commented on:
“Well, it’s definitely not the first time there’s been speculation.
“Saudi Arabia’s been brought up, the past year it’s been flying about and obviously reading around what’s been said lately Connor’s been tagged on the list as well.
“I know it’s football, there’s always going to be speculation and I’m contracted to Rangers for another two seasons after this and I’m fully focussed on what we’ve got to do this season.
“And concentrate on what’s to come next season and I think the gaffer’s came out and said I’m a big part of his plans.
“It’s obviously nice when you’re a big part of plans, my full focus is on Rangers and I’m contracted to Rangers.”
Philippe Clement’s options with right-back interest reported
Philippe Clement isn’t going to chase Tavernier out the club, however, there is a growing sentiment that it would be convenient if the Gers boss had to entertain offers for his captain.
Sterling is already at the club so, at worse, another back up to provide cover would be needed if Adam Devine hasn’t done enough to impress.
Walters and Johnson are attractive propositions as players who their respective clubs want to keep.
They are both England youth internationals and highly thought of in the Premier League, they won’t be short of offers.
For now though, it looks like none of those offers will be coming with Nils Koppen’s signature block on them.
