Rangers are widening their striker search as the transfer deadline approaches, with multiple moving parts shaping the final days of business at Ibrox.
One name now firmly in the conversation is Cameron Archer, with Sky Sports Scotland reporting that the Southampton forward is among Rangers options before the window shuts.
The 24-year-old, a product of Aston Villa’s academy, was long regarded as a top prospect but has yet to fully convert that early promise into sustained top-level output.
His record of nine goals in 63 senior appearances for the Saints reflects a player still searching for the consistency and platform to establish himself.
A shift toward a player like Archer would represent something of a return to a recruitment avenue that has drawn heavy criticism in recent seasons - Rangers repeatedly dipping into the English Championship and wider English market for players who arrived with pedigree but struggled to deliver consistent impact in Glasgow.
That approach was widely viewed as a misstep in squad building, contributing to an imbalanced group and ultimately forming part of the backdrop to Russell Martin’s departure as head coach and Kevin Thelwell’s exit as sporting director late last year.
Revisiting that market again, even for a player with Archer’s profile, will inevitably raise questions among supporters about whether lessons have truly been learned or whether this is simply a calculated gamble shaped by late-window necessity rather than long-term planning.
For Rangers, however, the appeal would lie in profile: mobile, capable of playing across the front line, and strength – something Danny Rohl has looked to add to his squad throughout the window.
Archer’s situation also fits the opportunistic nature of late-window deals. Southampton’s own squad dynamics and willingness to sanction a move, loan or permanent ,would be decisive, but Rangers interest signals that the recruitment team are not waiting on a single track.
That track, however, remains Ryan Naderi. Rangers have made a second bid for the Hansa Rostock striker, yet negotiations have stalled.
The German 3. Liga club are reluctant sellers mid-season and would prefer to keep their leading attacker until the summer. Naderi himself is understood to be open to a creative solution, signing for Rangers now but returning to Rostock on loan until June, but the German side will not approve a sale until they secure a replacement.
That stance is effectively placing Rangers in a holding pattern at a time when their need is immediate.
With the deadline looming, the club cannot afford to be left short in the forward line, particularly with Danilo expected to leave.
The Brazilian striker’s future appears increasingly likely to lie away from Glasgow, with NEC Nijmegen emerging as the probable destination. Cypriot champions Pafos FC remain interested after lodging a €2 million bid, but the Dutch route is currently viewed as the player’s preferred destination.
Other avenues look less promising. Joel Piroe is admired internally, yet the Leeds United forward is keen to remain in England and, ideally, in the Premier League.
That stance could shift if Leeds add another striker and push him further down the pecking order, but as things stand it is not an advanced situation.
Domestically, Rangers are set to stand down from two names. Kieron Bowie is heading towards Hellas Verona in a deal worth around €6 million, removing him from contention, while a late move for Motherwell’s Tawanda Maswanhise is also unlikely despite admiration for the Zimbabwean attacker from within Ibrox.
Rangers are also exploring loan options with several experienced forwards earmarked for deadline day moves.
The picture is clear: Rangers need a forward ready to contribute now. Whether that proves to be Archer, a breakthrough with Naderi, or a late-market opportunity, the final days will be decisive in shaping the attacking options for the run-in.