Rangers to 'spend £9m' on new January transfer when 'they nail formula'

Rangers could spend millions on new January transfers within years if they nail their new formula at Ibrox, according to Scott McDermott.

Arch-rivals Celtic have splashed the cash to re-sign Jota this week (Sky Sports), while Philippe Clement has only signed Rafael Fernandes on loan with little to spend again.

The Gers currently have a young squad with assets like Hamza Igamane, Jefte, Clinton Nsiala, and Nico Raskin that they could sell for a hefty profit, the new model of Nils Koppen.

Writing in the print edition of the Daily Record (29 January, page 47), McDermott urged the Bears to stick with their recruitment model of signing high-potential talents to flip in the future, which could pay off within years.

He wrote: "Rangers haven't boasted this type of potential in years.

"And already clubs outside Scotland are eyeing them up and preparing to swoop. When they do and Rangers invariably cash in - thus increasing their budget and cash reserves - it's Koppen's job to find the next one.

"And if they do it right? In a few years, they might be the cash-rich champions dipping into their pockets for a £9m January buy."

Are Rangers on the right track?

McDermott has a point, the Gers cannot just flip a switch and catch up to their local rivals, who lead the Scottish Premiership by a comfortable margin.

They have to get their recruitment right, which they seem to have finally done with the likes of Igamane and Jefte attracting interest from the Premier League.

However, they must ensure that they replace any assets that they sell with an adequate replacement, otherwise the model will not work.

Clement must be given time to build on his young squad with recruitment supremo Koppen because they will not catch the Hoops overnight, which is why he may still be in the job.

Replacing the manager who has built a burgeoning relationship with the youth talent at his disposal would make no sense.

It will be a long road for Bears supporters and the board but if they get it right, it could help bridge the gap to Brendan Rodgers' side.

In other Rangers news, an ex-ref has claimed that there could be further punishment for the Mohamed Diomande red card error.

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