Rangers transfer talks underway for targets already as fans given glimpse inside 'good conversations' - Ibrox news bulletin

Rangers are already in talks with a number of key transfer targets for the summer as the recruitment drive begins to take shape already.

It's set to be a window of change at Ibrox irrespective of how many trophies Philippe Clement ends up with and Record Sport revealed on Wednesday night the bombshell that Connor Goldson and James Tavernier are both being eyed by Steven Gerrard in Saudi Arabia. The exits of two defensive stalwarts would further intensify the need for signings but Rangers director of football operations Creag Robertson says they are already ahead of the curve on that front.

Speaking at a fans' forum, Robertson said: "In terms of player recruitment, we are active in the market right now. Key areas of focus for the football board are succession planning, player contracts and player recruitment. There are conversations on recruitment every day. When Nils came in, he reviewed the department and changed the structure and process, so we are in a strong place as we build towards the summer.

"A number of good conversations with active targets are underway. I cannot give any more detail right now. Ideally we would like to bring in players early, for the start of pre-season, although the Euros might slow the market slightly. Our intention is to be on the front foot and bring players in as early as we can, but we will need to remain agile to the market dynamics."

Goldson and Tavernier's exits look a little complicated as current Saudi Pro League rules only allow eight foreign players per squad - a rule which has seen the likes of former Celtic hero Jota flop in the Middle East. As it stands Gerrard's Ettifaq have filled their eight-player allocation, with the likes of Moussa Dembele, Jack Hendry, Demarai Gray and Georginio Wijnaldum on the list.

Gerrard would be forced to clear space for the double signing swoop - but Pro League chiefs are set to green light changes that would derail a deal for Goldson or Tavernier. Reports in the Middle East state that the Saudi Arabian league will increase the figure to 10 foreign players allowed per squad next term. The change in regulations will likely encourage clubs to continue their efforts to sign players from top teams across the world. And it could clear any doubt in Gerrard's mind over pushing to add the key Ibrox duo.

Before the transfer action really kicks into life, though, there is the small matter of a potential Treble on the line and Barry Ferguson has given Record Sport his predictions for the run-in. We called in five top pundits to predict every game from now until the end of the season, and you can read what Ferguson and his peers see it going here. Safe to say Barry is hopeful!