Why history shows Rangers know exactly what they'd be getting in Ryan Fosso

Rangers know from recent experience that there is value to be found at Sturm Graz.

The Gers have already dipped into that market once this year with the signing of Tochi Chukwuani.

Now, defensive midfielder Ryan Fosso has emerged as another Sturm Graz player Rangers want.

With Derek McInnes now at the helm, the Govan side are aiming to put together a side capable of challenging for the title.

Austria has proven a helpful place to shop for clubs in the past.

And with this in mind, there aren't many better clubs to look at than Sturm Graz.

Sturm Graz pathway gives Rangers Ryan Fosso clue

Sturm Graz have quietly become one of the more interesting development clubs in Europe.

Rasmus Hojlund is the obvious example. The Danish striker left Sturm for Atalanta before eventually making a huge-money move to Manchester United, and his career path remains the kind of success story that makes bigger clubs pay attention to the Austrian market.

Mika Biereth is another. After time in Scotland with Motherwell, the former Arsenal forward used Sturm as the next step in his development before earning a move to Monaco.

Chelsea forward Emmanuel Emegha followed a similar route, after he left Austria for Strasbourg, while Hoffenheim's Alexander Prass played a key role in the club's success before his move - under successful manager Christian Ilzer.

The fact of the matter is that Graz know what they are doing with their recruitment, and this only comes to the aid of the buying club, who are able to go on and reap their own rewards on the pitch and in terms of finances.

Why Fosso pursuit fits nicely with Rangers' recent plans

After a disappointing end to last season, the current transfer window was always going to be vital.

So far, Rangers have added serious quality and experience, with the likes of Lawrence Shankland, Ben Godfrey and Dan Neil arriving, alongside Ross McCrorie and Ivor Pandur.

All of these are likely to succeed at Ibrox given their prior successes elsewhere, and Rangers need to back this up with exciting signings from the continent.

Fosso would most certainly be that, while there is not instant pressure to succeed given the fact that the main recruitment focus has been elsewhere in recent weeks.

The Cameroonian international would provide energy and quality in midfield, and importantly, not all of Rangers' hopes are going to be placed on him, with his signing not being the main attraction of the window.