Rangers plot late transfer swoop after mind-blowing pre-deadline agreement reached

Rangers are pressing on with efforts to add another striker before the transfer window shuts on 2 February, with sources indicating the club accept the odds are stacked against them as the deadline approaches.

The Ibrox hierarchy are keen to bolster their attacking options as the Premiership title race intensifies. Internally, however, there is a recognition that striking a late deal will not be straightforward, with competition fierce and selling clubs reluctant to weaken midway through the season. Rangers have already moved to strengthen out wide, completing a season-long loan for Danish winger Andreas Skov Olsen. Former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness labelled the signing a “perfect” fit for Scottish football, a view widely shared among those who have tracked his development.

Despite that addition, head coach Danny Rohl remains determined to recruit a proven striker before the window closes. Beyond that, Rangers’ late business is expected to centre more on potential departures than further incomings, with the squad already stretched by the January schedule.

There has been some encouragement closer to home. Youssef Chermiti now looks set to stay at Ibrox after the club opted to give the Portuguese forward more time to develop. He silenced some early doubts by doubling his goal tally for the season with a decisive brace in the recent Old Firm victory over Celtic, a performance that has shifted the mood around his prospects.

Bojan Miovski has also rediscovered his scoring touch, helping himself to a hat-trick in Rangers’ emphatic 5-0 Scottish Cup win against Annan Athletic last weekend. Yet, despite those flashes, Rohl remains unconvinced that his current options provide enough depth to sustain a genuine title push. Danilo’s situation underlines that concern, with the Brazilian out of favour and yet to start a league match since early December.

One potential target appears to be slipping away. Rangers’ interest in Kieron Bowie has cooled amid suggestions the Hibernian striker is more likely to end up at Celtic if he moves this month. The 23-year-old has impressed with eight goals and three assists in 21 league outings, but Hibs are standing firm and any deal would demand a sizeable mid-season fee.

Time is now the enemy, and Rangers may have to broaden their search quickly if they are to land the striker they believe could tilt the title race in their favour.