Steven Gerrard insists he’s building for a big future as he targets Rennes defender Edson Mexer.
The Rangers boss made a whistlestop trip to Brittany on Thursday for signing talks with the Mozambique star.
Mexer, 30, is out of contract at the end of the season and is attracting some interest from Ligue 1 rivals Nantes as well as Bordeaux.
Gerrard, who celebrates a year in the job on Saturday after being named manager of the month, hopes the personal touch will help seal the deal.
Mexer 'interests' Rangers as Steven Gerrard eyes defender who stunned Paris Saint-Germain
He wants another experienced defender alongside Connor Goldson to help bring out the best in Croatian starlet Nikola Katic.
He has also snapped up experienced midfielder Steven Davis, 34, on a year-long permanent deal after he joined the club on loan from Southampton in January.
But after landing Jake Hastie, 20, from Motherwell in midweek and agreeing deals for 23-year-old Glen Kamara and Jordan Jones, 24, Gerrard is adamant he’s investing in the future.
He said: “The demand is to win yesterday, especially at a club such as Rangers.
“In an ideal situation you go and buy every single player who is ready now to go and challenge for the game’s awards but that’s not how it works. You must try and build a squad that’s capable of competing and respect the club is going to be here for many years.
“You’ve got to buy assets who are also going to be here for a very long time and Jake ticks that box. We’re also delighted to sign Davo. He is in good form.”
Rangers sources have dismissed speculation linking Alfredo Morelos with a £20million move to Real Betis.
Morelos is available against Hibs after a four-game ban but is likely to start on the bench with Jermain Defoe in top form.
Meanwhile, Gerrard has welcomed criticism from Record Sport columnist Chris Sutton, who claimed he’s “morphing into Pedro Caixinha”.
Gerrard said: “I quite rate him (Caixinha). He is a good manager doing well in Mexico.
“It is no problem, water off a duck’s back. He (Sutton) is one of many.”
