Rangers change Aribim Pepple transfer plans after latest news emerges

Rangers are unlikely to return for Plymouth Argyle striker Aribim Pepple when the January transfer window opens, despite the forward remaining on their radar after attracting interest during the summer.

The 23-year-old became a potential target as Rangers looked to strengthen their options up front. Pepple enjoyed an impressive first campaign at Plymouth after arriving from Chesterfield, scoring 18 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions.

However, the Canadian forward remained at Home Park while Rangers pursued other attacking options. Pepple later admitted that the reported interest from Ibrox was something he viewed positively, describing it as a compliment and an indication that he was performing well.

Despite renewed speculation surrounding a possible January move, Rangers are not currently expected to make another attempt to sign him.

Derek McInnes is believed to be comfortable with the options already available to him in attack. The Rangers boss is also expected to welcome Lawrence Shankland and Youssef Chermiti back into contention as they recover from their respective injuries.

Pepple has continued to show his goalscoring ability this season, finding the net five times in his opening 11 appearances for Plymouth.

Rangers also made a significant investment in their attack during the summer, spending around £9 million on Kevin Kelsy. Ryan Naderi and Bojan Miovski provide further competition for places, leaving McInnes with plenty of options to work with.

The feeling is therefore that another striker is not currently a priority for Rangers in January. Kelsy has already made a positive early impression at Ibrox, while the eventual returns of Shankland and Chermiti should give McInnes even greater depth.

For that reason, the previous interest in Pepple appears unlikely to develop into a January transfer at this stage. Rangers may continue to monitor the situation, but their current attacking depth means a move for the Plymouth striker is not considered necessary right now.