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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Christopher Jack

Giovanni van Bronckhorst details Rangers transfer wishlist and Tom Lawrence qualities

Giovanni van Bronckhorst

GIOVANNI VAN BRONCKHORST has targeted further attacking reinforcements this summer after completing a deal to sign former Derby County captain Tom Lawrence.

Herald and Times Sport revealed on Thursday that Rangers had won the race for Lawrence’s signature and had seen off competition from Sheffield United to clinch a move.

The capture of Lawrence came just 24 hours after striker Antonio Colak became the first signing of the transfer window as he put pen-to-paper on a three-year contract.

Van Bronckhorst was left short of forward options towards the end of last season as midfielder Joe Aribo had to deputise for the injured Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe during the run to the Europa League final and Scottish Cup win.

And the Ibrox boss is determined to avoid a repeat of that situation this time around as he bids to add more firepower to his side ahead of the new campaign.

Van Bronckhorst said: “We are still busy. I think a couple more, yes.

“We need that to be successful throughout the whole season. You saw last season that we were lacking a little bit of depth up front with the strikers that we lost.

“I don’t want to come into another situation where I have to play someone like Joe as a striker.

“Just prepared for everything that can happen to this club and then still have quality.

“Yes, more in the attacking positions is that aim.”

Lawrence has moved to Ibrox on a Bosman after opting not to extend his stay at Derby following their relegation to League One at the end of a torrid campaign off the field at Pride Park.

The 28-year-old arrives in Glasgow with plenty of experience from his time down south and Van Bronckhorst is sure he will lead by example after skippering Wayne Rooney’s side last term.

Van Bronckhorst said: “If you see him, I saw a lot of games that he played for Derby last year. He was the captain of the team so that means that he has leadership qualities, otherwise Wayne wouldn’t have chosen him to be the captain.

“He is a player who can bring goals and assists to the team with his strengths and ability to get his shots on goal and assist other players.

“He makes his runs behind the defence, be available in between lines. He is a very complete player and is at an age where he has already had years on a level where he has been playing a lot.

“He played a lot of games last year so it means his physical ability is there and his quality is as well. Again, he will add quality to the squad.”

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