Ibrox View: Rangers must step up transfer plans after youngster's injury setback

Philippe Clement could be set to step up his upcoming transfer plans at Rangers after Zak Lovelace suffered another injury setback.

The 18-year-old was forced off the pitch after 35 minutes on Tuesday 26 November in the 3-1 win against Clyde in the Glasgow Cup.

Lovelace had been kicking on this year with the Under-21s side as the Gers carefully managed his minutes after his long-term hamstring injury sustained last year, but he could be set for another lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Therefore, Clement may be forced to accelerate his plans to move for Leeds United forward Joe Gelhardt [Yorkshire Evening Post] as the Belgian desperately searches for a regular goalscorer at Ibrox.

Rangers must now go all out to sign Joe Gelhardt

Cyriel Dessers has proven time and time again this season that he cannot be relied upon to provide the goals to fire Rangers to Scottish Premiership success.

The Gers stand no chance of rectifying their SPFL hopes this year with Dessers leading the line, while Hamza Igamane is still finding his feet in Scotland, so reinforcing the frontline is now the utmost priority.

Lovelace is not viewed as an immediate starter at Rangers to help ease the goalscoring burden, but the Englishman is highly thought of at Ibrox and was slowly reintegrating himself into the first team setup.

Therefore, Clement’s hand has been forced, and he, alongside Nils Koppen, must now convince Gelhardt to choose Rangers ahead of the reported 10 other sides interested in acquiring his services in January.

The 22-year-old had been mooted to become a “goal machine” for the Light Blues when a move north of the border looked a real possibility last season, and now more than ever, his expertise would be welcomed at Ibrox.

Should the Gers land their man in January, depending on the details of the loan move, Lovelace could find himself surplus to requirements once he returns from yet another long-term injury setback.

In other Rangers news, John McGinn slams the Gers after what he’s seen from the fans at Ibrox this season.

For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.

The post Ibrox View: Rangers must step up transfer plans after youngster's injury setback appeared first on Ibrox News.