Rangers

Image source, SNS

Kilmarnock have signed Rangers midfielder Bailey Rice on loan until the end of the season.

The 19-year-old has made 16 first-team appearances for the Ibrox club, one of which came last season in the League Cup.

The midfielder also worked under head coach Neil McCann and assistant Billy Dodds when the pair were part of Barry Ferguson's temporary Rangers coaching staff last year.

Rangers team-mate Findlay Curtis spent last season on loan with McCann's side, scored five goals in 14 appearances for the Ayrshire club and earned his first senior cap for Scotland and a place in the World Cup squad.

"It's a big club and we've got a good team," Rice told Killie TV.

"I obviously know the gaffer and Doddsy well, so I've got a good relationship with them. I'm looking forward to it.

"I've been close with the manager here throughout my career for different reasons. He's honest, he doesn't hold anything back and that's what I like.

"I've got good vision when on the ball. I'm hoping I can take that on to the pitch and take games by the scruff of the neck."

McCann added: "He's someone I've known for a long time, even in his younger days.

"When we spent time at Rangers, we played him against Athletic Bilbao and he came on against Dundee as well. Unfortunately, he didn't manage to continue that progress under the new management team.

"He's somebody that I've always kept an eye on and he's got so much to offer us. The challenge for Bailey now is to get into our team. That's a challenge I think he's going to embrace."

Image source, SNS

Leanne Crichton says there will be "no surprises" for new Rangers manager Derek McInnes.

Crichton is head coach of Rangers women and is now colleagues with McInnes, who has left Hearts to return to Ibrox after leaving there as a player in 2000.

"He knows the club in and out, has managed against the club on numerous occasions, played for the club, he knows it," Crichton told BBC Radio Scotland's Sportsound.

"There will be no surprises for Derek.

"His communication skills are so vitally important, he knows how to manage the media in this country, he knows how to manage the expectations of fans, he's got a clear identity and style and a real understanding about what he wants his team to look like.

"I'm really looking forward to getting back into work next week and seeing what sort of impact he has on the wider club as well.

"I've got no doubt he's the right man for the job and it's a really exciting appointment."

Image source, Getty Images

England-capped defender Ben Godfrey, 28, has passed a medical and is set to join Rangers on loan from Atalanta, with an option to buy. (Rangers Review - subscription required), external

Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez, 24, is on a short-list of possible targets for French club Rennes. (Daily Record - subscription required), external

Real Betis are confident they can persuade Rangers to sell them midfielder Nicolas Raskin for below £20m. (Glasgow Times), external

Rangers are in talks with Hull City over a deal for goalkeeper Ivor Pandur, while Manchester United shot-stopper Radek Vitek is another option being considered. (Sky Sports), external

Despite rumours of Rangers interest, Real Salt Lake are leading the chase for Cammy Devlin, while MLS rivals Chicago Fire and Seattle Sounders are also tracking the midfielder who is out of contract at Hearts but has been made an offer to stay at Tynecastle. (Daily Record - subscription required), external

Image source, SNS

Derek McInnes' "straightforward" objective this season is to "be better than Celtic", says Willie Miller.

Former Ibrox player McInnes left his role as Hearts head coach to become Rangers manager after Danny Rohl departed Ibrox for Red Bull Salzburg.

Miller and McInnes are both former Aberdeen managers and the latter has also been in charge of Bristol City, Kilmarnock and St Johnstone.

"Magnificent season last season, absolutely top quality but you've got to remember that Rangers and Celtic were in turmoil as well," Miller told BBC Radio Scotland's Sportsound.

"He takes on a challenge now and it's straightforward challenge and he'll know it - just be better than Celtic.

"I don't think he should be thinking about European competition. Obviously, he can take that as it comes, as the season develops.

"He's been brought in to Ibrox to be better than Celtic, to take the title off Celtic and he knows it.

"To dominate Scottish football, you've got to be better than Celtic."

Miller says making Rangers champions in McInnes' first season in charge is a "huge target for him to achieve".

"He nearly did it, nearly lifted the title with Hearts in his first season so he'll be confident that he can make a major impression at Ibrox," Miller added.

Image source, SNS

Rangers are open to a straight swap deal with Hull City for goalkeepers Jack Butland and Ivor Pandur. (Alan Nixon on Patreon - subscription required), external

Real Betis are the latest club to express an interest in Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin, as they consider potential replacements for Dani Ceballos, who is expected to move on. (Mediaset via Daily Record - subscription required), external

Image source, Getty Images

Thelo Aasgaard's goal for Norway in a 4-1 defeat to France makes him the first Rangers player to score at a World Cup since Brian Laudrup in 1998.

The French had barely finished celebrating the second of Ousmane Dembele's three first-half goals when the Ibrox midfielder wrong-footed two defenders before drilling a shot past Mike Maignan.

Norway made 10 changes, including leaving star striker Erling Haaland on the bench, as they finished runners-up in Group I to set up a meeting with Ivory Coast in the round of 32.

We asked for your thoughts on defender Ross McCrorie making his return to Ibrox as Derek McInnes' first signing.

Here's a selection of your replies...

Alan: Should never have been allowed to leave. He was and still is a future Rangers captain.

Elaine: Another good signing. Ross knows exactly what it takes to play here and can make the number two shirt his own for a good few years. He's also versatile and might very well be Scotland's next right-back.

Matt: Good, versatile player, who knows the club and expectations. Welcome home Ross!

Andy: A player we should never have let go, smashing defender, a true Ranger. Hope the lad gets the chance and bring back Nathan Patterson too. This is going to be a good season for us.

David: McCrorie will be a good addition, he knows the club and culture within, and he returns a better player. McInnes will improve him, no question.

Billy: May be a good signing but is he any better than Dujon Sterling?

Les: Big Ross, reliable right-back and possible deputy center-back. Good Scottish signing. Keep them coming, Derek.

Chris: He struggled here before, although that was in a poor team after being put under considerable pressure by previous managers. I've always been impressed with him since he left. Solid signing but only one small step in the right direction.

Image source, SNS

New Rangers signing Ross McCrorie says manager Derek McInnes is a leader players "run through brick walls" for.

The pair have been reunited at Ibrox after previously working together at Aberdeen, with McInnes appointed as manager in Glasgow last week and McCrorie signing from Bristol City on Thursday.

McCrorie was a Rangers academy graduate before joining the Dons in 2020.

"When you speak to the gaffer, he's a man you would run through brick walls [for]," McCrorie told Rangers TV.

"The gaffer's a big influence in my career - he was the one that gave me the belief to go and crack on and unlock the talent I know I had.

"The gaffer is a bit old school as well, but you need that at times, you need that hard side, because it is not easy to be at a club like Rangers and the mentality needs to be there, especially this season.

"I've been frustrated as a fan watching in the last few years because I want to see the club win. That is why I am back, I want to come and help the team win trophies.

"The only way I would've come back to Scotland was for Rangers and it was only going to be Rangers if I was coming back to Scotland.

"It was always something for me - unfinished business. It's great to be back. It's about time I came back. I feel I'm ready now."

With long-serving captain James Tavernier departing this summer, McCrorie is taking over the number two jersey.

"I'm really good friends with Tav," McCrorie said of his former team-mate. "I've got a lot of respect for Tav. He's a legend at this club.

"I've been number two at my previous clubs. When I first broke through at Rangers, I was number 40, and I phoned and asked the gaffer if I could take number two because that is my number, and I've made it my own in the last few years."

Image source, SNS

Derek McInnes has made Scotland defender Ross McCrorie his first Rangers signing.

The pair previously worked together at Aberdeen and now reunite at Ibrox, with McCrorie returning to Ibrox from Bristol City.

The Rangers academy graduate, 28, has signed a three-year deal and is the club's second summer signing after Lawrence Shankland.

Rangers fans, what do you make of McCrorie's arrival? Is the type of signing needed to help wrest the title away from Celtic?

Share your views here.

Image source, SNS

Derek McInnes' arrival at Rangers is a "really solid" appointment, says Ibrox goalkeeper Jack Butland.

Butland, 33, is hopeful Rangers can gain "stability" under McInnes, who featured as a player for the Ibrox side in the late 1990s.

"[I have] bumped into him a few times over the years," Butland told TalkSPORT.

"He's an ex-Rangers player, we've had the odd chat here and there, we've always had a bit of back and forth about the club.

"I know how much he cares about it, I know how much it means to him.

"For the club, it's a really solid appointment, someone that we can hopefully build around for a number of years - gain some stability with someone that knows what it means, knows the culture.

"It's a really good appointment, I'm looking forward to it."

Image source, SNS

Bologna have opened preliminary talks with Rangers over the signing of Nico Raskin, 25, while new Ibrox manager Derek McInnes would like Scotland midfielder Lewis Ferguson to move in the opposite direction. (TeamTalk), external

Hull City have made an offer for Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin in the region of £12-14m but the Ibrox club value the Belgium international at nearer £20m. (Mike White on X), external

Rangers have agreed to pay Bristol City around £1.5m to bring Ross McCrorie back to Ibrox. The 28-year-old defender has completed his medical and will put pen to paper on a three-year deal with another 12 month club option. (Daily Record - subscription required), external

Rangers have been priced out of a move for Westerlo right-back Bryan Reynolds, with French club Rennes offering around £3.3m for the 24-year-old American. (Daily Record - subscription required), external

Thomas Duncan
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

New Rangers manager Derek McInnes says his job is to make the club "relevant" domestically again by winning trophies.

McInnes made a dramatic switch from Hearts last week and says it is all about taking Rangers back to the top of Scottish football after one title in 15 years.

He says work is well under way to build a side to "impose" themselves next season.

"I don't want teams to come here and feel comfortable and play their way into the game," McInnes said.

"All of a sudden, that fear factor isn't there playing against Rangers. We've got to make teams really struggle when they play against us.

"We've got good players currently and we're going to bring in good players. You have to have quality to be a Rangers player but it takes a lot more than that.

"There's an identity and an intensity that is required to win games domestically.

"We want to do well right across the board and in Europe and all the rest of it - but we need to start being more relevant again, winning trophies domestically, and that for me is key."

Thomas Duncan
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

Rangers manager Derek McInnes has been speaking to the media for the first time since his appointment.

Here are the key points:

• Becoming Rangers boss was a "very special" moment for McInnes and his family and something he has always wanted to do.

• He feels "ready" for the job and is well aware of the responsibility being Rangers manager brings having supported and played for the club.

• Rangers fans have "suffered" for the past 15 years with just one league title and his job to change that as quickly as possible, starting this season.

• The call from Rangers was a "surprise" when it came during his holiday. Considering how much he enjoyed his spell at Hearts he said he had "a lot to consider" but he has made the right decision.

• On his style of play, McInnes says his aim is to create a Rangers team that will "impose ourselves on the opposition" and ensure there is a fear factor for opposition teams at Ibrox.

• Signings will be "collaborative" but he has been assured he will have the final say on incomings and outgoings.

• The club need to use their budget "wisely" but work is under way to recruit players, plus McInnes feels he and his staff can get more from the current squad.

Rangers are closing in on a deal to bring 28-year-old versatile Scotland-capped defender Ross McCrorie back to Ibrox from Bristol City. (Rangers Review), external

Celtic have submitted an improved offer for Zinedin Smajlovic worth £3.9m plus £1.7m in bonuses, but Sandefjord are under no pressure to sell amid rival interest from Rangers, Olympiacos, Hull City, Fenerbahçe, Toulouse, Feyenoord and Lyon in the 22-year-old centre-back. (Rudy Galetti on X), external

Rangers are preparing to submit a formal offer for 22-year-old Dundee centre-back Luke Graham in the coming weeks. (Football Insider), external

Head coach Steven Pressley says Dundee have received "plenty of phone calls" about Luke Graham this summer, but there has been no firm offers for the centre-half. (The Courier), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, SNS

Rangers have confirmed the permanent appointment of Stig Inge Bjornebye as performance director at Ibrox.

The former Norway international joined the club on a temporary basis in December as a consultant.

"Rangers is a club with huge expectations, and that is one of the reasons I am excited to take on this role permanently," the 56-year-old told club media.

"Our responsibility now is to provide the football departments and the players with everything they need to win, while also creating a clear pathway for the next generation of Rangers players."

Meanwhile, James Barrow has arrived from Wigan Athletic to replace Rhys Owen as first team performance coach.

"Stig has quickly become a valued member of our football leadership team," said chief executive officer Jim Gillespie. "His experience across elite football, both as a player and as an executive, brings important expertise to the club.

"His appointment completes a football structure that is focused on one objective: giving our manager, staff and players the best possible platform to deliver success for Rangers."

Tottenham Hotspur have sanctioned another loan departure for Mikey Moore and Rangers are hoping he will return to Ibrox amid interest from the Championship and Europe in the 18-year-old winger. (TeamTalk), external

Rangers are set to demand around £20m for Nicolas Raskin this summer as clubs from the Premier League, Serie A and Super Lig all race to sign the 25-year-old Belgium midfielder. (Football Insider), external

Rangers are well-placed to re-sign Czech Republic winger Vaclav Cerny for around £5m in the coming weeks, with the 28-year-old open to leaving Besiktas. (Football Insider), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Image source, SNS

Lawrence Shankland is looking forward to working with Derek McInnes again after the manager followed him in making the move from Hearts to Rangers.

The 30-year-old striker joined the Ibrox club on a two-year deal after losing a tight title race with Celtic on the final day of the season.

McInnes has since followed, replacing Danny Rohl who opted to take up an offer from RB Salzburg.

"I am pleased for the manager, it is a good opportunity for him and I am pleased for myself to be there," said Shankland from Scotland's World Cup camp.

"I haven't had too much time to think about it if I am being honest, it is something I am putting to the back of my mind.

"I am looking forward to a fresh start when I go back but right now I am looking to focus on this World Cup.

"When I looked back at the date when everything happened since the end of the season, to get this point, it is actually not been that long.

"The main thing is I want to try to enjoy this tournament and I will think about the rest of the stuff when I get back home."

Image source, SNS

Bailey Rice believes he "can show a lot more" after signing a new one-year contract with Rangers, with the option of a further year.

The midfielder, 19, has made 16 appearances for the club, with four of those starts.

"It's brilliant," he told club media.

"I have been a fan since I was a kid, so I know what it means to play here and I know what the club means to me, so it is a great achievement.

"It is such a great club, I have had some great moments but I have also had some of the hardest moments of my career with injury, but that can only make me a better player and I feel I can show a lot more than I already have."

Former Rangers defender Colin Hendry expects the Ibrox club to sign more Scots after Lawrence Shankland was recruited from Hearts. (Record - subscription required), external

Besiktas are reportedly negotiating with Wolfsburg over whether to land Andreas Skov Olsen on a permanent basis or secure another loan deal for the 26-year-old winger, who was with Rangers last season. (Sun), external

Monday's Scottish gossip