Journalist tips ‘last-minute deal’ as late Rangers forward bid gives transfer deadline hope

The one in, one out, transfer policy that Rangers implemented in the summer has followed into the transfer window with Philippe Clement still short of options. 

Established players on big wages have left in the shape of Kieran Dowell and Rabbi Matondo, and yet the manager still hasn’t seen his squad strengthened.

With rumours in short supply, a late bid for Yorbe Vertessen is encouraging as Rangers look to supply Clement with more firepower.

Rangers tipped to make late forward move after Yorbe Vertessen bid

Edinburgh News journalist Barry Anderson is also optimistic that the Light Blues aren’t done yet:

“Don’t expect Rangers to be overly busy today. Maybe a forward if they get a last-minute deal.”

Clement spoke about the “numbers” that were discussed with the board, but Patrick Stewart calmed any possible excitement earlier in the window by suggesting that “one or two” is the realistic target in terms of new players.

Oscar Cortes and Danilo have looked like two players who have suffered long-term injuries, undergone major surgery and then missed high-intensity pre-season training.

Being available for selection is different to being fully fit and it can take players who have suffered similar injuries as long to regain form as it did to complete the rehabilitation process.

Why have Rangers left it so late to address winger issue?

With Rabbi Matondo now out on loan, there is no excuse not to sign a forward capable of playing on either wing.

Nils Koppen might have to settle for a loan deal, but with Vaclav Cerny only at Ibrox on a temporary basis, Rangers need to look at the bigger picture for both the short and long term.

This isn’t a new problem, and one that the technical director should have been working on ahead of the window with his Auchenhowie recruitment team.