Gio van Bronckhorst insists he expects Rangers to make signings as he admitted they are close to landing Antonio Colak - and revealed the Ibrox club are in talks with key players who are entering the final year of their deals.
And the Dutchman vowed Rangers will be ready for a pressure start to the season as he declared himself up for the challenge of winning the Scottish Premiership title back from Celtic as they also try to qualify for the Champions League group stage for the first time in 12 years.
John Souttar is the only new face to join the Light Blues squad at their pre-season training camp in Portugal after the Scotland defender signed a pre-contract agreement to join from Hearts in January but as he checked in fellow stopper Leon Balogun headed for the exit door after his contract expired and Joe Aribo is on the verge of a move to Southampton.
While some fans have been anxious over the lack of transfer activity, van Bronckhorst insists he is excited at the chance to build on last season. The Ibrox boss arrived during the campaign and still led the club to the Europa League final before lifting the Scottish Cup in the final game of the season with an extra time victory over the Jambos at Hampden.
And now Gio has revealed talks with the likes of Alfredo Morelos, Ryan Kent and Ryan Jack who are all going into the final 12 months of their contracts as Croatian striker Colak is finalising a £1.8 million, three-year deal from PAOK.
Van Bronckhorst, speaking to Sky Sports from the club’s warm weather pre-season training camp in the Algarve, said: “We are very close with him (Colak). We've worked hard to get him on board so hopefully he will join us really soon and give us some extra options up front. I think he’s shown in the teams he played for can score goals. He's a very good striker who did us a lot of damage at the beginning of last season and showed his quality.
“We are in talks with players in the last year of their contracts. Of course, after the season we had last season attention will come but right now interest is not very high, apart from Joe (Aribo) of course. But in football you never know, things can change at any moment. I’m working hard with Ross Wilson to make sure we are ready and bring in the players we want.”
Gers kick off their campaign away to Livingston on July 30 and after relinquishing their crown last season, the Ibrox boss said: “We have to be up for it. Celtic were champions last season and of course when you are first at the end of the season you deserve it so all credit to them. But it’s a new season ahead, we are here to be successful for this club and we have to be very consistent throughout the whole season, especially in the league. The margin is very close so we have to be ready and we look forward tot he challenge.
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“I’m very excited. Of course, last season is over. We are now looking ahead to the new season. We are very focused and prepared for the next season ahead.
“Of course, we still expect some new players coming in. When the season starts - Livingston away - and shortly after that we play in the Champions League, try to get into the group stage, so August is going to be a very important month and we have to be ready.
“But we’re in all competitions at the start and of course being the manager and being a player for Rangers you know it comes with expectation. That’s what we all feel and we’re all working hard to achieve those ambitions.
“We had a five-week break. Obviously you need a rest after such a season, which is normal, but very quickly your mind goes to the season ahead. The first thought is rest and then you are already working ahead and it’s a bit of both - working a couple of hours to the season ahead but also enjoying time with the family.”
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