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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

'One of the priorities' - Clement confirms Rangers plan to sign striker next month

Philippe Clement has confirmed Rangers will look to sign a striker in January after the bombshell update that Danilo could require surgery.

The Ibrox boss was coy on any possible transfer incomings next month amid swirling rumours of Lawrence Shankland and Alfredo Morelos pitching up in Govan but admitted a new recruit up front will be among the priorities.

Brazilian forward Danilo will be out until at least the winter break, as well as Tom Lawrence, and fears remain over a longer lay-off with surgery likely required to correct a knee issue.

It means the pair will miss a hectic run of festive fixtures including the Viaplay Cup final against Aberdeen, the final Europa League group stage showdown against Real Betis and the derby against Celtic on December 30.

Quizzed on whether a new striker is on the shopping list in January, Clement simply stated: "Yes. It will be one of the priorities."

Revealing the cruel injury blows to Lawrence and Danilo, Clement continued: "Tom will be out until the winter break and Danilo will be out also so that's not so good news - maybe after also but we will not get them back before the winter break.

"[Danilo has] A problem with his knee because of a bad tackle in the game.

"It was an unlucky situation, it's part of football. I didn't say it was a bad tackle or somebody should have had a red card. It was a tackle and because of the contact he had a problem with his knee afterwards."

Meanwhile, Ryan Jack and Scott Wright remained sidelined through injury with Kemar Roofe still fit but not yet ready for 90 minutes.

"They're not back yet," said Clement of Jack and Wright. "He's [Roofe] good in the way that he got certain minutes but he can't play 90 minutes. He's not ready for that."

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