NafisaRangers are moving quickly to strengthen Derek McInnes’ squad after a difficult start to the new campaign highlighted the need for more depth and attacking quality.
The Ibrox side have already been active in the transfer market this summer, but the demands of domestic football and European competition have forced the club into another push for reinforcements.
After weeks of speculation surrounding potential winger targets, including a possible return for former Rangers favourite Vaclav Černý, the club have now turned their attention elsewhere and are closing in on a major attacking addition.
The Light Blues are on the verge of completing a deal for Hannover winger Daisuke Yokota.
The Japanese attacker is expected to arrive in Glasgow after Rangers agreed a package worth around £3.5million for his services, with the 26-year-old set to undergo his medical before finalising the move.
The transfer comes shortly after Rangers sanctioned the departure of Nedim Bajrami to Saudi Arabian side Al Taawoun, creating space for another attacking option to enter McInnes’ squad.
Yokota has impressed during his time in German football and has previously drawn comparisons to former Celtic winger Daizen Maeda due to his pace, direct style and ability to threaten defenders in one-on-one situations.
The timing of the deal could not be better for Rangers, with the club facing a packed schedule that includes Europa League commitments.
If the paperwork is completed and he is registered in time, Yokota could even be included in the squad for Thursday night’s Europa League third qualifying round first leg against Jagiellonia Bialystok in Poland.
However, the winger is unlikely to be the only addition before the transfer window closes.
McInnes is still looking for further attacking options, while the injury situation in defence has created another problem.
New signing Ben Godfrey suffered a hamstring injury during Rangers’ opening Scottish Premiership fixture against Dundee United and is expected to miss around four weeks.
The former Everton and Norwich defender was forced off during the 1-1 draw at Tannadice, leaving McInnes with limited options ahead of a crucial run of fixtures.
Dujon Sterling was forced to move into central defence alongside Emmanuel Fernandez after Godfrey’s withdrawal, while South Africa international Olwethu Makhanya remains another option after joining from Philadelphia Union.
John Souttar is still part of the squad but is expected to leave before the end of the window, with Sheffield United, Leicester City, Swansea City and Watford among the clubs linked with a move.
Rangers have also monitored defensive targets, although a move for Scotland international Scott McKenna currently appears unlikely.
With trips to Poland, a Premiership clash against Hibernian and further European qualifiers all arriving in quick succession, McInnes knows he needs a stronger squad at his disposal.
The arrival of Yokota would represent another important step in that rebuild, but Rangers’ busy summer is showing no signs of slowing down.
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