Rangers are set to shop close to home this summer transfer window amid surging rumours and Andrew Cavenagh’s latest declaration.
Recruitment was patchy in the first two windows under the ownership of 49ers Enterprises and the US health insurance tycoon, backing Russell Martin last year by shopping in England, then turning to Europe under current head coach Danny Rohl. Now Cavenagh has confirmed transfer business from sides around them in the Premiership will be sought after a disappointing third place finish behind Celtic and Hearts.
He said this month: “We have a pro-Scottish bias in the club today. Meaning, if you have two players roughly equal and one is Scottish then we will take the Scottish player. When we look at what positions we are filling we don’t start with people, we start with profiles. What positions is it, what type of person is it. An athletic centre-back or a ball-winning centre-back for example. How big, how fast? And we are always asking who is Scottish that fits that profile. Every time, we are looking at that.
“That’s not to say we can just go out and grab 11 Scots off the street and win the title. It is a bias towards Scottish players, but that doesn’t mean that’s the only criteria we look at to build a winning team. I would say we equally look at an SPFL bias. If we’re looking at two players who are roughly similar, and one has extensive SPFL experience against one that does not, we would take the SPFL experienced player.
“I would say that our European qualification has little impact on what we are trying to do this summer. We’re trying to build a squad to win the league. Our focus is on winning the league first and foremost. We do want to play at the highest possible level in Europe, for the prestige, the competition and selfishly the revenue as well, but our squad rebuild this summer won’t be dictated in August. It’s already planned for, and starts tomorrow.”
With that clear statement in mind, here are six stars from the Scottish Premiership that Rangers could realistically target this summer as they look to close the gap on Celtic and mount a serious title challenge.
1. Lawrence Shankland (Striker, Hearts)
The one on everybody’s lips. Lawrence Shankland remains a constant name in transfer speculation around Ibrox. A year on from being considered a free agent option for the Light Blues, the Hearts frontman has proven once again why he is one of the most clinical finishers in Scotland.
Across his entire stint at Tynecastle spanning almost four years, he has netted 88 goals alongside 29 assists in 171 appearances. His experience with Aberdeen, Ayr United, Dundee United and multiple other Scottish sides makes him the perfect fit for Cavenagh’s SPFL bias. Shankland offers leadership, physicality in the box and an impressive work rate that would suit Danny Rohl’s system.
At 29, he is in his prime and knows how to score big goals in derbies and against top opposition. Signing him would send a strong message to the fans that Rangers mean business in their pursuit of the title. His aerial ability and link-up play could transform the Light Blues’ attack, especially if paired with a creative number 10. Many Gers fans would welcome him with open arms at Ibrox.
2. Elliot Watt (Midfielder, Motherwell)
Motherwell’s ball-playing number six was instrumental in a strong season under Jens Berthel Askou. Even though Askou has now departed for Ligue 1’s Toulouse, Watt remains a standout performer who thrives in a possession-dominant side.
His vision, passing range and ability to dictate tempo from deep positions would add much-needed control to the Rangers midfield. Linked with the club already, Watt fits the profile of an SPFL-proven player who understands the intensity of Scottish football. At a time when Rangers need to strengthen the engine room, he could provide competition for current options and bring energy to the middle of the park.
His composure on the ball under pressure makes him a valuable asset, especially in matches where Rangers dominate territory but need someone to break lines. A summer move to Ibrox could be the next step in his career progression.
3. Luke Graham (Centre-back, Dundee)
One of the most exciting young defenders in the league, Luke Graham has attracted interest from several European and English clubs. The mobile and physically strong Dundee centre-back has shown tremendous potential this season.
His reading of the game, pace in recovery and ability to play out from the back align perfectly with modern defensive requirements. Graham has also earned a call-up to the Scotland national team training camp ahead of the World Cup, underlining his rapid rise.
For Rangers, he represents both immediate squad strengthening and long-term investment. With room to develop further under Rohl’s coaching, signing Graham would tick the Scottish player box while adding depth to a position that has been problematic at times. His potential resale value could also appeal to the 49ers’ business-minded approach.
4. Lewis Mayo (Centre-back, Kilmarnock)
A familiar face to Rangers supporters, Lewis Mayo came through the academy at Ibrox before building his senior career at Kilmarnock. He has impressed consistently for Killie and is reportedly a pre-contract target.
While he may not be an automatic starter, Mayo would provide excellent squad depth and help satisfy UEFA homegrown player quotas. Versatile enough to play centre-back or right-back, he brings reliability and a strong mentality developed through years in the SPFL.
Bringing a Rangers academy graduate back to the club often resonates well with the fans. Mayo knows the demands of Ibrox and could be a smart, low-risk addition as the club rebuilds with a pro-Scottish focus. His leadership qualities in the dressing room would also be valuable.
5. Josh Mulligan (Midfielder, Hibs)
One that got away last summer. Josh Mulligan has openly discussed how Rangers showed strong interest in him before he joined Hibs from Dundee. Despite injury setbacks this season, his performances in the first half of the campaign highlighted him as one of the league’s top combative midfielders.
Strong in the tackle, energetic and capable of playing right-back when needed, Mulligan brings steel and tenacity. His box-to-box threat and ability to win duels would complement the more technical players in the Rangers squad.
A summer reunion could finally bring him to Ibrox. With the right management and fitness support, Mulligan has all the tools to become a fan favourite on the blue side of Glasgow.
6. Elijah Just (Attacker, Motherwell)
The only non-Scottish player on this list, New Zealand international Elijah Just has enjoyed an outstanding debut season at Fir Park. His technical quality, versatility across wide areas, number 10 and false nine roles have turned heads.
Nominated for PFA Scotland Player of the Season alongside Lawrence Shankland, Just will also feature prominently for his country at the upcoming World Cup. His creativity, dribbling ability and eye for goal make him an exciting prospect who could add flair to Rangers’ attack.
While the club has a Scottish bias, Cavenagh has stressed that quality remains the priority. Just represents a profile that could excite supporters and provide competition in forward areas. His work ethic and adaptability would fit well into Rohl’s tactical setup.
In conclusion, these six names represent a mix of proven SPFL performers, academy connections, and high-potential talents. With Andrew Cavenagh and the 49ers demanding a squad capable of winning the league, Rangers’ recruitment team will be working hard behind the scenes. A busy summer window focused on domestic talent could finally deliver the squad depth and quality needed to challenge at the top of the table once again.
The coming weeks will be crucial as pre-season planning intensifies. Gers fans will be watching closely to see which of these targets, or others, make their way to Ibrox. The message from the board is clear: this summer is about building winners.