Rangers are taking stock before January, with the transfer chatter stretching well beyond possible new signings.
Derek McInnes has decisions to make about players attracting interest, others finding form away from Ibrox and potential additions to his squad.
Recent suggestions pointed towards a quieter January after heavy summer spending, while leaving room for attractive deals and changes if required.
Lewis Ferguson has supplied one of the more striking stories this week, with the Bologna captain telling Gazzetta dello Sport that he expects to play for Rangers at some stage.
That will excite supporters given his family connections to the club and his previous work with McInnes at Aberdeen.
|
Lewis Ferguson’s Bologna stats this season |
|
|---|---|
|
Stats |
Total |
|
Appearances |
10 |
|
Starts |
10 |
|
Minutes played |
900 |
|
Goals |
0 |
|
Assists |
0 |
|
Yellow cards |
0 |
|
Red cards |
0 |
There is an important timing point, though, as Ferguson also spoke about his attachment to Bologna and wanting to stay for at least another year.
Rangers have also been looking further down the English leagues.
Gers scouts have apparently watched Doncaster’s Bayley McCann against Stockport, and the Northern Ireland youth international can operate in either wing-back position and has caught the club’s attention.
Closer to home, Nicolas Raskin remains a major talking point whenever the January window is mentioned.
Despite renewed Besiktas links, the Belgian is believed to be unwilling to force a departure during the season, with his contract running until 2028, with a summer move viewed as a more likely outcome.
Keeping him through the title race would spare McInnes a difficult midfield rebuilding job midway through the campaign.
Those situations show why January planning extends beyond drawing up a shopping list, and McInnes must protect the strength of his current team while deciding who can contribute further down the line.
One player has already done enough to convince him that his future belongs at Ibrox.
Derek McInnes pushes Rangers to sign James Penrice as £800,000 option emerges
According to TEAMtalk, McInnes has urged chief executive Jim Gillespie and the board to secure James Penrice permanently.
Rangers have reportedly set aside the money needed to activate the purchase option in his loan deal from AEK Athens, and that clause is apparently set at around £800,000, with Rangers able to trigger it next summer.
Penrice, 27, has impressed since returning to Scotland on loan and has even earned his first senior Scotland nod.
The player also wants an extended stay, according to the report, giving McInnes encouragement that a permanent deal can be reached.
McInnes has also explained publicly that a permanent signing had been his preference initially, before the clubs settled on a loan.
Penrice’s energy, attitude and performances have since strengthened that case, with McInnes praising the trust he has earned from both the coaching staff and supporters.
Penrice has proved he can handle the demands at Ibrox.
An £800,000 option would secure a player already trusted with an important role, with the manager making his request crystal clear, but turning that wish into a completed transfer is the next job for the hierarchy.
