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Sport
Scott McDermott

Rangers transfer latest as Steven Gerrard attempts to address one of the final pieces of his signing jigsaw

Joe Aribo is expected to arrive in Portugal in the next 24 hours as Rangers' seventh summer signing.

But the question is, how many more new recruits does Steven Gerrard need to seriously challenge Celtic for the title this season?

Already, he's strengthened in defence with the acquisition of Oldham centre-back George Edmundson, writes Scott McDermott in Portugal.

In the wide areas of his team, he's now top heavy with talent after snaring Jordan Jones, Sheyi Ojo and Jake Hastie.

In attack, Greg Stewart is versatile enough to be able to play in a number of positions across the front.

And Gerrard himself admits Aribo will give him something different in midfield, potentially what they were missing last term as a creative force from a central area.

But are these signings enough to close the gap on champions Celtic, who will undoubtedly add to their squad over the summer as well?

On the goalkeeping front for Rangers, he's now got FIVE on the books which is too many.

Youngster Robby McCrorie will surely go out on loan at Premiership level for vital experience.

Gerrard knows his eighth signing could be crucial (Rangers FC/Press Association Ima)

Allan McGregor will obviously be first choice but Rangers must look to offload either Wes Foderingham or Jak Alnwick - and keep the other as back-up.

In the full-back positions, Gerrard has skipper James Tavernier and Matt Polster on the right, with Borna Barisic and Jon Flanagan the left.

It looks like the Croat will be given another chance this term, meaning they shouldn't have to go into the market again.

Centrally, he'll want another experienced defender in. Niko Katic and Edmundson are still young, developing players.

Given that he had four centre-halves last season, Gerrard will be keen to add another and I expect a quality addition in this area before the window closes.

In midfield, he should have enough. Steven Davis is now a permanent signing and with Aribo, Ryan Jack, Glen Kamara, Scott Arfield, Ross McCrorie, Andy Halliday and Greg Docherty all still there, they've got plenty of options.

On the flanks, with Jamie Murphy returning from the injury and the pursuit of Ryan Kent still ongoing, they've got strength in depth.

Remember, this is forgetting the outcasts Gerrard has left behind in Glasgow in the shape of Graham Dorrans, Jason Holt, Eros Grezda and Jordan Rossiter.

It'll be the job of director of football, Mark Allen, to try to offload these players and recoup some cash that might help Gerrard going forward.

In the striking department, it remains to be seen whether Rangers will receive concrete bids for Alfredo Morelos.

But if Gerrard can keep the Colombian, along with Jermain Defoe, he has two outstanding centre-forwards with different attributes.

If Kyle Lafferty - who was third choice last season - is allowed to leave, he might be tempted to bring in another.

But Stewart, Murphy and Kent - if he returns - can all play through the middle if required so as long as Morelos doesn't leave, it's unlikely another forward will come in.

In fact, keeping last season's top scorer as well as captain Tavernier could be the best pieces of business Gerrard does in this transfer window.

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