Rangers are set to bolster their recruitment department with the addition of former Scotland international David Hopkin.
According to the Daily Record's Scott Burns, Hopkin is poised to leave his role at Crystal Palace, where he is head of Scottish scouting for Ibrox, where he will work under Head of Recruitment Dan Purdy as head of academy scouting as Rangers continue to strengthen their football operations behind the scenes.
The former Leeds United, Bradford City and Greenock Morton midfielder has earned a strong reputation in scouting since moving into recruitment following his managerial career.
During his spell at Crystal Palace, Hopkin was instrumental in identifying emerging talent and played a significant role in bringing Scottish-born Northern Ireland international Justin Devenny to Selhurst Park from Airdrieonians.
Devenny has since progressed into Palace's first-team squad, enhancing Hopkin's reputation for spotting young players with high potential.
David Hopkins role at Rangers
At Rangers, Hopkin is expected to focus on identifying emerging talent both in Scotland and overseas, fitting into the club's long-term recruitment strategy under Purdy.
The appointment is another step in the overhaul of Rangers' football department following the departures of chief executive Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell at the end of 2025.
Purdy now leads the club's recruitment operation, with Rangers placing a greater emphasis on modern scouting methods while continuing to target young players capable of developing into first-team regulars and generating future transfer value.
Hopkin's knowledge of the Scottish market, combined with his experience at Premier League level, is expected to add another valuable layer to the club's scouting network.
Despite Kevin Thelwell's exit from Ibrox, his son Robbie Thelwell remains part of Rangers' recruitment department, although it is understood he now occupies a reduced role within the structure.
A busy Ibrox summer transfer window
The behind-the-scenes changes come during another busy summer of rebuilding at Ibrox.
Derek McInnes has already strengthened his squad with the arrivals of Ivan Pandur, Ross McCrorie, Ben Godfrey, Dan Neil and Cammy Devlin, while Lawrence Shankland joined shortly before the former Hearts boss was appointed as head coach.
Rangers are also on the verge of completing the £4million signing of Serbian midfielder Vanja Dragojevic from Partizan, with the transfer all but completed ahead of an official announcement.
As McInnes reshapes the first-team squad, Rangers are also investing heavily behind the scenes, with Hopkin's expected arrival highlighting the club's determination to improve recruitment and identify the next generation of talent before it reaches the mainstream market.
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