Thursday 28 July 2016 14:35, UK
Mark Warburton wants to add two more players to his Rangers squad this summer, with a striker and a central defender his prime targets.
The Ibrox boss has lost eight of last season's Championship-winning pool and brought in a mix of youth and experience as he has recruited nine new faces.
While Joey Barton and Niko Kranjcar are expected to be mainstays of his new-look team, youngsters such as Joe Dodoo, Josh Windass and Jordan Rossiter are expected to contribute too.
A number of rumours have circulated on social media this week ahead of Rangers' first Premiership game next weekend at home to Hamilton, a game you can see live on Sky Sports.
Warburton has dampened those by insisting the identity of his targets has not yet been discussed.
He told the official Rangers website: "We have a number of targets, none of which are on Twitter and none of which have been released.
"We would like another striking option and another defensive option in an ideal world but they have to be players who add value on and off the pitch and that's really strong.
"This will only happen if the players we want are available. We are working on it but it's a decreasing talent pool. Frank McParland (Rangers' head of recruitment) and his team are working tirelessly."
One of those Rangers have been linked with is Fenerbahce's former Arsenal and Manchester United striker Robin van Persie.
There was so much backing for the move with Sky Bet overnight that the bookmaker was forced to close the market on the Dutchman moving to Scotland.
Warburton is adamant no attempt has been made to bring him in though and said: "I've woken up to a barrage of text messages and missed calls saying apparently the deal has been done.
"Everyone knew about it apart from anyone at Rangers Football Club. I have never had so many text messages about a player. I've no idea where this rumour has emanated from - 'out of our pay league' is a fair comment.
"He's an unbelievably talented player but there's absolutely nothing in it whatsoever. I'm bemused to hear we are 2/1 on and betting's suspended.
"There is no truth in the story and there is no substance behind it. There's not even been a general enquiry. I'm sure someone is laughing somewhere."
Of the players Rangers have signed, goalkeeper Matt Gilks, defender Matt Crooks, full-back Lee Hodson and QPR centre-half Clint Hill are also included in the group.
The club's budget has been limited and that has meant Warburton acting with more diligence than previous regimes at the Glasgow club.
He said: "It is about us doing our work and going about our business quietly and under the radar because if we get embroiled in a bidding war we will lose.
"The players who have come in have mixed in really well with the existing group, which is why I am so strong on character."
