Derek McInnes pleaded for help in terms of transfers following Sunday's Scottish Premiership defeat to Ibrox at Ibrox. And within 24 hours of that 2-1 loss, chairman Andrew Cavenagh revealed he hoped to provide his manager with up to five new faces.
McInnes and Cavenagh on Transfer Plans
"We could do with some help," McInnes said in his post match press conference. "And we're working hard to try and get some bodies in." Then, speaking at the club's shareholder meeting Cavenagh responded: "I don't like putting a number on it but certainly I'd hope three to five more players are coming in and a number will possibly go out."
Within hours of Cavenagh uttering those words, Rangers were linked with a loan move for James Penrice from AEK Athens. And Belgian right back Hugo Siquet is also a reported target, after Record Sport revealed fellow right back Kosta Nedeljkovic is on the radar.
Potential Dream XI
But how could McInnes' team line up if Rangers land some of the players they have been linked with? Here, we took a look at a Dream XI.
Ivor Pandur – A member of the Croatian World Cup squad, the keeper was signed for a big fee - £6million from Hull City - but has had the finger pointed at him for the way he conceded goals against Dundee United and Hibs.
Hugo Siquet – Replacing James Tavernier was always going to be a huge task given his contribution, not least in terms of goals. Derek McInnes has fielded Ross McCrorie and Dujon Sterling there and on Sunday it was Vanja Dragojevic's turn as the Serbian was played out of his natural position. This is a key position and Siquet would be a huge statement with the Belgian cap top drawer.
Olwethu Makhanya – The South Africa cap was one of the few positives after making his debut in the defeat to Hibs. Signed from Philadelphia Union, the stopper looked solid in the heart of defence.
Ben Godfrey – Suffered an injury in the first Premiership game of the season against Dundee United but not as bad as first feared. Emmanuel Fernandez has had too many shaky moments and Derek McInnes needs someone he can trust in the heart of rearguard.
Tuur Rommens – James Penrice has been linked with a loan move from AEK Athens but he would still likely be back up to Belgian Rommens who looks to have made the left back role his own.
Lewis Ferguson – Although it has quietened down in recent weeks, this remains a transfer link that will not go away. Was on the books at Rangers as a kid and letting him leave Ibrox proved to be a big mistake. Obvious Ibrox connection with dad Derek and uncle Barry and McInnes worked with him Aberdeen.
Nico Raskin – The Belgian could be one of the players earmarked for the exit door that Andrew Cavenagh was referring to and he would command a huge fee. But Derek McInnes admitted he has always been a huge admirer of the former Standard Liege man and would likely rather have him at his disposal than the cash.
Vanja Dragojevic – The former Partizan Belgrade captain had a tough introduction to Scottish football after conceding a penalty against Hibs at the weekend but he was played in the right back role. Was signed to play in midfield.
Daisuke Yokota – Lively start to his Rangers career and arguably the best player in a light blue shirt before he was subbed after 68 minutes. Signed from Hannover 96, he will be the first pick on the right wing.
Couhaib Driouech – The winger is on his way from PSV Eindhoven in a £7 million deal—and possesses the kind of quality Derek McInnes is crying out for. Has performed at Champions League level - including goals against Arsenal and Liverpool - and can fill the left wing position.
Lawrence Shankland – Handed the captain's armband which indicates he is going to be a starter under Derek McInnes. Came in for some criticism for his performance against Hibs and still has to find his feet at Ibrox to replicate his form for Hearts last season.
Possible Substitutes
Subs: Liam Kelly, Ross McCrorie, James Penrice, Emmanuel Fernandez, Connor Barron, Djeidi Gassama, Thelo Asgaard, Tochi Chukwuani, Cammy Devlin, Youssef Chermiti.
