Rangers are planning for future success at Ibrox.
Glasgow Rangers are desperate to win back the Scottish Premiership title.
This led to a loan deal for Jermain Defoe which runs for another 12 months, while the Daily Record report Rangers want to sign Ryan Kent on loan for another year.
Veteran Steven Davis is another player whose presence hints at a short term fix, along with veteran Allan McGregor.
But while these more urgent solutions are needed to bring the team up to a competitive level, manager Steven Gerrard is not going to leave the club high and dry if it all does not work out.
Rangers’ youth academy continues to serve up top prospects, and Gerrard is looking to add more.
The Evening Times report Rangers are set to sign Umaro Balde, who has been on trial from Sporting.
In addition to Balde, the same report claims Rangers are looking at Tottenham’s Albert Rachi, to add to their academy.
Both players would go into Rangers’ development squad, and wouldn’t be expected to start making first team impact for at least a couple of years.
Whatever the fate of Steven Gerrard by 2021, whether he has won titles, or left and been replaced for a new manager, his work and that of the recruitment team to continue to replenish the academy with talent, could be valuable.
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