Rangers transfer picture emerges as Swedish double deal eyed and £8m fix identified

Rangers are expected to prioritise defensive reinforcements this summer, with reports suggesting Danny Röhl could turn to Sweden as he looks to solve key issues at the back.

Following the arrival of Lawrence Shankland, defensive improvements have reportedly become the next major focus at Ibrox. Rangers are currently light in several areas after loan players Nasser Djiga, Derek Cornelius, Max Aarons and Jayden Meghoma all returned to their parent clubs at the end of the season.

Swedish defender Casper Widell has emerged as one of the club’s leading targets. Reports from Sweden claim Rangers have stepped up discussions over a move for the 23-year-old centre-back, who captained Excelsior and played every minute of their Eredivisie campaign last season.

Widell’s leadership qualities and consistency are believed to have made him an attractive option as Rangers seek greater stability in defence.

The Light Blues may not stop there either. Another Swedish defender, Hampus Skoglund, is also reportedly on the club’s radar.

Fresh reports suggest direct contact has already taken place between Rangers and representatives of the right-back, who previously featured alongside Widell at Sweden Under-21 level.

However, securing a deal may prove difficult. Hammarby are understood to be reluctant to lose one of their standout defenders, particularly after recently tying him down to a contract running until the end of 2029.

Even so, Rangers could be willing to invest significantly in the position after losing long-serving captain James Tavernier, leaving the injury-hit Dujon Sterling as the club’s main senior option on the right side of defence.

Goalkeeper is another area being monitored.

Reports indicate Rangers are among several clubs keeping tabs on Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson. The 26-year-old impressed during a loan spell at Millwall in the second half of last season, registering seven clean sheets in 16 appearances as the London club reached the play-offs.

A reported £8 million valuation could complicate matters, with Wolves, Millwall and Wrexham also linked with interest in the former England Under-21 international.

Rangers currently have Jack Butland and Liam Kelly as senior goalkeeping options, meaning a major move for Patterson would likely represent genuine competition for the number-one shirt rather than a backup signing.

The Ibrox side have also been linked with Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Pierce Charles, reinforcing suggestions that Röhl wants stronger competition in goal ahead of the new campaign.

As Rangers continue reshaping their squad, strengthening the spine of the team appears to be firmly at the centre of summer planning.