Rangers are already moving aggressively in the transfer market as plans for next season take shape under Danny Röhl, with the manager reportedly targeting two standout Championship-based players as part of a squad rebuild.
Despite finishing third in the Scottish Premiership, Rangers are wasting no time reshaping their squad, with Röhl believed to be pushing for early deals to strengthen key areas before pre-season begins.
The new manager is said to be prioritising players who can immediately raise the level of the squad — even if they currently play outside the top flight.
The two targets
One of the main names linked is Dundee centre-back Luke Graham. The 22-year-old has reportedly been monitored by Rangers scouts on multiple occasions this season and has also been involved in Scotland national team training setups under Steve Clarke. Dundee previously rejected a significant bid in the region of £1.5m from Portsmouth in January, but Rangers are now expected to test their resolve again.
The second target is Motherwell midfielder Elliot Watt, who impressed throughout the season and earned a place in the Premiership Team of the Season. His consistency, work rate, and tactical intelligence have reportedly made him a key profile for Rangers’ recruitment team.
Why Rangers are pushing this strategy
The recruitment direction is being shaped by a broader shift in club policy, with an increased focus on domestic talent and players familiar with Scottish football. Club chairman Andrew Cavenagh has previously indicated that, where two players are closely matched in profile, preference may be given to Scottish-based options.
That approach appears to be influencing early summer targets as the club looks to build a more stable and physically prepared squad for domestic competition.
Rebuild already underway
Rangers have already made moves in the market, with Lawrence Shankland among the early arrivals as the club begins to reshape its attacking options. However, Röhl is believed to want further additions across defence and midfield before the new season begins.
Recruitment chief Dan Purdy has reportedly been given the green light to explore and formalise interest in key targets, with discussions expected to progress in the coming days.
The bottom line
Rangers are not waiting around. With a new manager in place and a clear recruitment direction forming, the club is already acting early in the window.
Two Championship-based targets are now firmly on the radar — and if Rangers get their way, the rebuild could accelerate quickly from here.
