Derek McInnes has conceded that Rangers are short of the creative spark needed to supply their strikers, but he expects to bolster his squad before the Premiership opener at Dundee United.
The new Ibrox boss watched his side round off their pre-season preparations with a goalless draw against West Ham, the second game in a row without a goal from open play.
McInnes admits lack of creativity
McInnes, who has already added seven new faces, said: "You're right to say [we need] those difference makers. I think a club like ours needs to have those guys that can isolate and go play one on one, and who can play off both sides naturally. So we're looking for a wee bit more creativity that we think can serve the strikers."
He highlighted Ryan Naderi, Youssef Chermiti, Lawrence Shankland and Bojan Miovski as finishers who depend on service, noting only Chermiti can create his own chances. "Ryan, Lawrence and Bojan are very much dependent on service and we need to provide a bit more of that," he said.
New signings expected before opener
McInnes is also looking to strengthen his defensive options and is confident of additions before Friday's trip to Tannadice. "We are quite hopeful, we've got one deal done at the minute and hopefully we'll have some news on that in the next 48 hours. And we're also trying to maybe bring one more in if we can for Friday night. I'd really like that to be the case, because I do think in one or two areas of the pitch we're still a bit short," he said.
One of the potential arrivals is a permanent deal, the other possibly a loan. Asked if they could feature against Dundee United, McInnes said: "The intention would be to try and bring them in as soon as possible and get an assessment on that. But I do think that one or two of them could come in to the squad."
Injury and transfer updates
Thelo Aasgaard should be fit for the opener despite a shoulder knock against West Ham. However, Belgian midfielder Nico Raskin will miss the match. Raskin, a target for Villarreal and Real Betis, has not returned from his post-World Cup break. "Not for the opening part of the season he won't," McInnes confirmed. "Obviously Nico might be subject to some interest, we're well aware of that. And we always thought he could be a flight risk this summer on the back of the World Cup."
McInnes added that the midfield is well-stocked: "The one area of the pitch where I'm really strong is through the middle of the park just now. Nico will be back this week, but he won't come into contention for the game on Friday."
