How Rangers waste no time for James Penrice transfer as Derek McInnes gets on call

Rangers are closing in on signing AEK Athens left-back James Penrice.

Derek McInnes is facing difficult times at the Gers after failing to win any of the opening four games of the season and getting knocked out of the Europa League.

Tuur Rommens' injury has affected the Scottish manager's plans at the Light Blues and the addition of a new left-back feels necessary.

McInnes didn't get to work with Penrice for long at Hearts, but the Scotland defender looks to be on his way to Ibrox.

The 27-year-old's move should be finalised soon, with a medical expected in the coming hours.

Celtic have also shown interest in the AEK player, but it's the Govan side who have won the race for his signature.

Rangers transfer details emerge to sign James Penrice

Penrice has been heavily linked with a move to Ibrox, with Jayden Meghoma another option for them to bolster their defence.

The Gers now seem to have chosen the Scottish left-back to provide cover for Rommens.

According to Daily Record journalist Scott Burns on 14 August, McInnes made a call to Penrice and he's now on his way to the Light Blues.

The Glaswegian outfit have agreed a loan deal with a buy option to get the AEK defender over the line.

It was only in the last 48 hours that the Govan side came to the table for Penrice, and they've certainly wasted no time in signing him.

The Bears still arguably have plenty to do in the transfer window, but a new left-back's addition will fix a major headache for McInnes.

Why Derek McInnes can now stick with preferred tactic at Rangers

Rangers played a back-three against Jagiellonia Bialystok as McInnes didn't want to play without a natural left-footer at left-back.

The Gers stuck with the formation for most of the game, but in the final stages of the 1-1 draw at Ibrox, the Scottish manager shifted to a 4-4-2.

It has been evident all summer that the Glaswegian outfit needed a backup option for Rommens, who has built a reputation for being injury-prone in G51.

McInnes is already starting to lose a small section of the fanbase and he needs to turn things around sooner rather than later.