Rangers boss Michael Beale looks set to kickstart his January recruitment drive with as his first signing edging closer.
The Norwich City playmaker Todd Cantwell was namechecked by the Rangers manager following the Scottish Premiership win over Dundee United, and speculation has only intensified over a move north of the border for the 24-year-old to lead Beale's reshaping of the Light Blues' squad. Cantwell looks set to be the first of many to arrive at Edmonton Drive this month should the deal go through, with Beale already hinting at the number of new faces he wants in the door.
After lifting the manager of the month award for December, Beale confirmed he has already spoken to "two or three players" about permanent January moves to the Scottish Premiership. He stated: "Our phone has not stopped. There is a lot of players interested in coming here. I have to make sure they are the right ones."
But what three positions could those players be in? Record Sport takes a look.
Goalkeeper
Allan McGregor and Jon McLaughlin have been battling it out to be first choice at Rangers throughout the campaign, and Beale appears to be unsure of who his first choice should. Veteran McGregor started the Beale era between the sticks with McLaughlin given the nod to face Dundee United last Sunday.
Robby McCrorie also offers back-up but is currently sidelined through injury. Beale has spoken of his admiration for all three of the shot-stoppers since his return to Ibrox, and any decision over a new number one looks likely to be postponed until the summer when 40-year-old McGregor's contract runs out.
Verdict: Recruit at the end of the season
Defence
Beale's predecessor Gio van Bronckhorst had to contend with a series of injury issues at the heart of the Rangers defence during the latter days of his Ibrox tenure, however the current Light Blues' boss has enjoyed much more luck. Connor Goldson is back at centre-back while Ben Davies' niggling fitness woes appear to be easing. John Souttar is training again at Auchenhowie, while prospect Leon King has proven he can handle the first-team environment.
Borna Barisic has held his spot at left-back following his return from the World Cup with Croatia, with summer recruit Ridvan Yilmaz sitting on the sidelines. Yilmaz has been missing since October having picked up a serious hamstring knock against Aberdeen back in October, and Adam Devine will continue to provide cover until the £5million man returns.
James Tavernier has held down the right-back slot at Ibrox consistently since his arrival in Govan, but since the departure of Nathan Patterson there has been little chance to rest the skipper. Mateusz Zukowski arrived from Lechia Gdansk 12 months ago, and was shipped out on loan to Lech Poznan after just one first-team appearance. Cover for the captain could be a top target for Beale.
Verdict: Sign a right-back as back-up for James Tavernier
Midfield
Todd Cantwell looks like the clear candidate to be added to the Rangers engine room, which is in dire need of a burst of energy. Rangers are well-covered when it comes to players who can anchor the midfielder, with Ryan Jack, John Lundstram and Glen Kamara all utilised in that role by Beale so far.
However, a playmaker will likely be top of the agenda for the Londoner. Malik Tillman has endured an inconsistent campaign so far, and Scott Arfield mainly being deployed as a substitute.
Ianis Hagi is closing in on full fitness, but after a year on the sidelines it's unlikely Beale will throw him straight into the Premiership title fight. Tom Lawrence is working hard behind the scenes, but giving Cantwell a chance to prove himself at Ibrox for the remainder of the campaign appears a sensible piece of business.
Verdict: Sign Todd Cantwell or another playmaker
Forwards
Rangers have strength in depth in the wide areas with Ryan Kent, Fashion Sakala, Rabbi Matondo and Scott Wright all capable of filling in the role on the flank. It's a different story for the lone frontman in Beale's preferred system.
Antonio Colak has netted 14 goals so far this term and has been the only consistent striker in a light blue jersey this term. Alfredo Morelos has struggled with fitness issues and has chipped in with just five strikes in all competitions, while Kemar Roofe has been in the treatment room, making just three appearance so far this term.
Morelos could be on his way out of Govan this month if the club opt to cash-in on the Colombian, with his contract rapidly running out. If the Colombian leaves another frontman will be needed to provide competition for Colak.
Verdict: Sign a central striker as back-up for Antonio Colak
READ NEXT
