Report: Warburton makes ambitious transfer plans, sets strict deadline for new Rangers signings
By Alex Stevens
Mark Warburton has made it clear he wants a minimum of three new signings in place at Rangers within weeks, according to a report.
The Ibrox manager is keen to press ahead with a major overhaul of the squad as the Scottish giants prepare for life in the top flight next season after four years in the lower leagues.
According to the Scottish Sun, Warburton wants fresh blood at Rangers before the club set off on their US tour next month.
The Light Blues return to pre-season training on 18 June and set off to north America soon afterwards. Warburton is said to have told the club that he wants at least three new faces on the trip.
As reported by Football Insider, Rangers are ready to swoop for Tottenham defender-turned-midfielder Dominic Ball and Leicester left-back Michael Kelly, while they are also in advanced talks to prise playmaker Matthew Knox from Livingston.
Ball, 20, has enjoyed a hugely successful season with Rangers on loan from parent club Spurs and has lifted the Scottish Championship trophy and the Petrofac Cup.
Kelly, 18, who began his career at Scottish club Aberdeen, has been working his way up the Foxes’ youth system and has caught the eye of Rangers in the process.
Knox, 16, is being eyed by a number of leading Premier League clubs but Rangers are confident they are in pole position to secure a deal.
Ball began life at Rangers as a centre-back, but has since moved further forward into the defensive midfielder role.
The switch has been a success for the youngster as he has played a crucial part in Rangers’ second-tier triumph and progress to the Scottish Cup final.
In other Rangers news, Warburton has given a fitness update on his top goalscorer ahead of the Scottish Cup final.