NafisaRangers have wasted little time reshaping their squad since Derek McInnes officially took charge, with the early weeks of the summer transfer window already delivering signs that significant changes are underway at Ibrox.
After falling short of expectations last season, there is a clear determination around the club to build a team capable of challenging for major honours once again.
Supporters have already welcomed several fresh faces, but recruitment behind the scenes appears far from complete. Strengthening the defensive department remains one of the club’s biggest priorities, particularly following a number of departures that have left McInnes needing greater depth and experience at the back.
Rather than limiting their search to domestic talent, Rangers have also explored opportunities across Europe, identifying players with proven pedigree who may be looking for the ideal platform to relaunch their careers.
One such player now appears to be edging ever closer to a move to Glasgow.
According to the Daily Mail, Rangers are closing in on the signing of England international Ben Godfrey on a loan deal from Serie A side Atalanta.
Mail Sport reports that new Rangers boss Derek McInnes has personally identified the versatile defender as a key target and remains optimistic that an agreement for the 28-year-old can soon be finalised.
Godfrey joined Atalanta from Everton in 2024 in a transfer worth around £11 million, but his spell in Italy has failed to develop as hoped.
Since making the move abroad, the defender has spent time out on loan with Ipswich Town, Sheffield United and Danish club Brondby in an effort to secure regular first-team football.
Now, another temporary switch looks increasingly likely, with Ibrox emerging as his expected destination ahead of the new campaign.
McInnes is eager to reinforce his defensive options following a busy summer of departures.
Loan deals for Max Aarons, Nasser Djiga and Derek Cornelius all came to an end, with each player returning to their parent clubs after the conclusion of last season.
Long-serving captain James Tavernier has also departed, leaving Rangers needing additional experience across the back line.
The new manager has already strengthened one area of the defence by bringing Ross McCrorie back to Ibrox from Bristol City in a deal believed to be worth around £1.5 million.
Godfrey is now widely expected to become the next addition, with reports suggesting Rangers are working towards securing the defender on a season-long loan agreement.
The Englishman first rose to prominence during his impressive breakthrough at Norwich City, where his performances earned him a £20 million move to Everton in the Premier League.
Following four years at Goodison Park, Godfrey accepted a new challenge in Italy by joining Atalanta, where he remains under contract until 2028.
His most recent loan spell came with Brondby, but McInnes has now moved quickly to try and bring the experienced defender to Glasgow before the start of the Scottish Premiership season.
Should the proposed move be completed, Rangers would be adding a player with Premier League, Serie A and international experience to a squad that continues to undergo significant transformation under its new manager.
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