Rangers next three transfer priorities emerge after Ross McCrorie

Ross McCrorie is close to sealing his return to Rangers as transfer plans accelerate at Ibrox.

The 28-year-old departed Ibrox on a permanent transfer back in 2021, having risen through the routh yanks in Govan.

McCrorie left full time for Aberdeen back in 2021, and two years later would make the move south of the border to join Bristol City.

But with captain James Tavernier leaving, and Max Aarons' loan deal at an end, Rangers were looking a little thin of options at right-back.

McCrorie will now likely go head-to-head with Dujon Sterling for a starting shirt under Derek McInnes next season.

But Rangers still have plenty of work to do to improve McInnes' squad before the start of the 2026/27 Scottish Premiership campaign.

What areas are Rangers looking to strengthen next in the transfer window?

The Rangers Review reported on Tuesday that the Light Blues are closing on a deal to re-sign McCrorie.

The outlet added that Rangers have beaten off competition from other clubs in England to bring McCrorie back to Glasgow.

But the report also spoke about Rangers' next priorities after McCrorie, with plenty of work left to do in the transfer window.

Rangers Review states that the immediate priorities are two centre-backs, and reinforcement in central midfield.

However, they also add that the Gers will need to bring in a starting option on the right wing, after it was decided not to take a purchase option on Andreas Skov Olsen.

What has Derek McInnes previous said about Ross McCrorie?

McInnes is no stranger to the qualities possessed by McCrorie.

Indeed, McInnes was manager of Aberdeen when McCrorie first moved to Pittodrie on loan before he made the permanent switch.

McInnes has previously been quoted as calling McCrorie a "dream" and speaking glowingly of the attributes he brings to the team.

"I just love the boy. I think he's a dream on and off the pitch," McInnes said.

"His athleticism gets him out of trouble, his brain gets him out of trouble, gets him into positions. Having Ross's power and intelligence in there allows us to play with one or two more attacking players."

Rangers fans may question the wisdom of bringing back a player who was previously deemed not good enough to start games.

But plenty of time has passed since then, and McCrorie is clearly a player trusted by McInnes.

Moreover, Rangers need more players who understand the Scottish Premiership and are ready to roll up their sleeves and battle.

From that standpoint, it makes perfect sense to bring in a reliable performer, and one who is clearly trusted by McInnes.