STEVEN Gerrard last night revealed Rangers are “in position to strike” in the transfer market this summer despite the disruption caused by the coronavirus crisis after landing Scotland goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin.
McLaughlin, the former Hearts player who has spent the past two seasons at English League One club Sunderland, signed a two year deal at Ibrox yesterday.
The 32-year-old, who has won two caps for his country and is a regular in the national squad, will provide back-up to Allan McGregor following the departure of Wes Foderingham and Jak Alnwick.
Gerrard was delighted to bring in his third new acquisition of the close season after Ianis Hagi and Calvin Bassey and is confident Rangers can land more of the targets they have identified.
However, the former Liverpool and England captain stressed he will be looking for quality not quantity in the coming weeks and may have to wait to strengthen due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
“I’m very pleased so far,” he said. “The goalkeeping area in the last couple of weeks has become a priority with Wes’s contract finishing and obviously Jak going out.
“We knew there was a void there and we had to go and find the right person. I wanted experience, I wanted a different type of profile for the keeper.
“I think Jon brings vast experience. He has got some international experience, he has played under pressure at Sunderland for many years and delivered. So I think it is a real safe signing for us.”
Gerrard added: “It’s going to be an unusual transfer window, a unique one. We are still waiting to find out the exact dates when it will start and end and in what form.
“So it might have to be a case of being patient while some leagues are still playing and clubs are not in a position to make decisions.
“The important thing is we are ready in terms of who we have identified. Throughout lockdown, we have been going through all the lists. We know the areas we want to improve.
“I don’t think there will be much volume in terms of new signings. It will be more a case of who we bring in to strengthen the eleven.
“In terms of the club, the board has been fantastic during lockdown. The backing of our supporters has been fantastic - we have sold close to 35,000 season tickets, which is unreal.
“So things are okay from a Rangers point of view. I think we are in a good place. We are in a position to strike (in the transfer window) but we might have to be patient because of what’s happening at other clubs and in other leagues.”
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