Former Celtic star Charlie Nicholas reckons Rangers must produce some transfer magic or their title dream could become a nightmare.
The 58-year-old believes Sunday's crushing 2-1 defeat to Hearts on Sunday means Steven Gerrard must bring in some fresh blood to energise his squad.
Record Sport revealed on Tuesday that summer arrivals Brandon Barker and Jordan Jones are already deemed surplus to requirements by the Ibrox board and their exit could fund a new arrival.
The January has been more about outgoings than incomings for Gerrard and his sporting director Ross Wilson with a raft of players heading for the exit door.
And Nicholas is certain Celtic have the advantage in the race unless Rangers roll the dice before the window closes.
The Sky Sports pundit, writing in his Daily Express column, said: "While the Ibrox side are not out of the title race yet, if they slip up again their title ambitions could fade away just like they did this time last season.
"Rangers can't afford to go into the next Old Firm game is in March thinking if they lose that the title is over.
"They look to be labouring a bit since they have come back from the break.
"Rangers could do with a signing or two to try and liven things up and really inspire and to show they are serious about challenging.
"This time last season, they went into the market and brought in Jermain Defoe and Steven Davis.
"Strengthening your team brings an impetus, a freshness and you get competition.
"Rangers have relied on 13 or 14 players to put them into a position to challenge.
"Gerrard has got enough bodies out the door to say is there a budget for me, but it looks like there isn't the money there.
"Injuries and suspensions are having an impact. Look at his team on Sunday. Jon Flanagan's no James Tavernier at right-back, Steven Davis had his poorest game of the season, Glen Kamara was below-par, there was the Ryan Jack injury, the centre halves looked awkward and Jermain Defoe can't slip defenders the way Alfredo Morelos can.
"Celtic have more strength in depth and can afford to put Odsonne Edouard on the bench."
