Rangers transfer penny pinching claim rejected as Hotline scout identifies unlikeliest Premiership strike target

Rangers snapped up a second summer signing from South America as Colombian winger Oscar Cortes joined Brazilian Jefte by penning another loan deal in Govan. But one Hotline caller reckons Philippe Clement should be looking far closer to home for a striker he believes could fire them to success - and it’s not Lawrence Shankland.

Ian Renton, Johnstone, has been blown away by a Highlands hitman who he reckons has a secret to his super powers. He said: “If Rangers are looking to sign more reliable strikers, they should be checking out Simon Murray, who has scored 23 goals for Ross County this season. Yes, he is 32, but I would suggest he is in the best form of his career. He also brings an energy to the team that means no defender can take their eyes off him. He has one other thing going for him, he is a ‘ginger’, and that means he will never give up.”

Clement had less luck in Central America after being snubbed by Panama international Jose Cordoba who looks set for Norwich City. Andrew Lamb, Fraserburgh, said: “I’m just astonished at the accusations of Rangers being skint and having no money due to the collapse of the Cordoba move. Most clubs structure transfer fee payments. Can I also point out that nobodies like Norwich will gain far more money than any SPFL club, due to the Sky TV deal, £3million is loose change in the English top leagues.”

Rangers confirmed a list of released players including John Lundstram, Borna Barisic, Ryan Jack and Kemar Roofe on Saturday and Tam Williamson, Lanarkshire, said: “The Rangers failures who only last season were being classed as superstars are now flooding out through the Ibrox rotating door. The only person left who will look back at any ‘success’ will be Big Phil when he proudly shows his grandchildren in years to come photos of himself holding aloft the Mickey Mouse Trophy. Cherished memories indeed.”

On to Celtic and Gordon Ashley, Ayr, joked: “What a horrible end to the season for Celtic, after winning the double and securing £60m and eight big Champions League nights along with beating Rangers’ alleged trophy haul with 118 unshared trophies, to go and blow it all by conceding the ‘will Matt O’Riley make the Denmark squad’ trophy is a disgrace. Sack the board!”

Along similar lines, Tim Gibbens emailed: “It doesn’t seem to be just Denmark boss Kasper Hjulmand who views the Scottish Premiership with disdain. I wonder how players like Danny Armstrong and Connor Barron feel about being overlooked while they see a half-fit, untested 18-year-old Liverpool reserve catapulted into the squad?”

Sticking with Scotland and Paddy Gowans emailed: “I hope Scotland don't embarrass themselves at the Euros, we've got three class players the rest are never at international level let's be honest.”

Bit negative that Paddy. Thankfully Jamie Thompson, Yoker, and more to the point Bob MacIntyre from Oban, has given us a lift. Jamie said: “Fantastic display of golf from Robert MacIntyre winning the Canadian Open.

"I’d love to see Robert win the Scottish Open and The Open. Scotland has so much talent across all sports, hard work and belief and support from Scotland will bring them the success they deserve”

On other matters, Gary Stevenson, Newtonhill, said: “What a joy listening to Ally McCoist during the Champion's League Final. Ally is undoubtedly the best commentator in the United Kingdom and his knowledge of the players is second to none.”

Finally, John Davidson, Kirkintilloch, called to pay tribute to English rugby hero Rob Burrow who tragically lost his battle with motor neurone disease at the weekend aged just 41. John said: “Condolences go to Rob Burrow family, friends, & the rugby league colleagues. Another sad loss to MND.”