Rangers eye blizzard of marquee signings after Champions League news – sources
Rangers will be handed a late-window budget boost this summer if they qualify for the Champions League proper, sources have told Football Insider.
Football Insider revealed on Monday (13 May) that the Ibrox club will prioritise cheaper deals in the early part of the window as they wait to find out their European fate.
Rangers are now resigned to finishing second in the Scottish Premiership this season – which will see them enter the Champions League at the third qualifying stage – four games away from the league phase.
Football Insider sources say league phase football is worth a minimum of £35million to the Scottish clubs.
It is believed Philippe Clement’s side have drawn up two shortlists ahead of the off-season – one based on Champions League qualification, and one without.
A potential playoff for Rangers side won’t kick off until 20/21 August, but it is believed they will be ready to sanction multiple big-money signings before the transfer deadline if qualification is achieved.
Rangers plan late-August transfer blitz after £35m news
The Glasgow giants are hoping the progress made since the arrival of Clement will also prove attractive to their top targets this summer.
Under ex-boss Michael Beale, the Gers entered the qualifying process this season – but failed at the final hurdle with a 7-3 playoff loss against PSV Eindhoven.
Rangers were dropped into the Europa League and made it to the Round of 16 before losing against Benfica.
After a format change, all qualified clubs will now play eight games in the league phase of the Champions League – which runs from September to January.
The additional games will provide a welcome income boost to the Scottish Premiership winners – who qualify automatically.
In other news, John Lundstram now expected to leave Rangers after “whispers”.
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