Rangers manager Derek McInnes has stated that the acquisition of striker Kevin Kelsy, for a reported fee of £9 million, is expected to be the club's final signing of the summer transfer window. The 22-year-old Venezuelan is nearing a move from MLS side Portland Timbers, a decision influenced by the cruciate ligament injury sustained by Youssef Chermiti last month.
Despite some fan hopes for an attacking midfielder to be signed before the upcoming deadline on Thursday, McInnes suggested that no further acquisitions are planned beyond Kelsy. "We're still working hard to get one in at the minute," McInnes told Sky Sports. "We're getting closer on that one, but we believe it's only going to be the one in."
He added, "If we can get a striker in that helps alleviate the disappointment of Youssef's injury, I think that would be pretty important for us. I think the club have made the right improvements in certain areas and I think we've had a lot of good work done." McInnes clarified his earlier statement, noting, "I'm saying one. You never know, it might be more than one, but if we can get the one in that we want, it certainly helps alleviate a problem we've got at the minute."
Rangers are also looking to facilitate player departures before the transfer window closes. Lyall Cameron, formerly of Dundee, is reportedly heading to Dundee United. Other players linked with potential moves away from the club include Nico Raskin, Ross McCausland, Bojan Miovski, John Souttar, and Clinton Nsiala.
Regarding Nico Raskin, who has missed the last two Rangers matches, McInnes stated that there have been no viable offers. "Nico's been first-class since he came back from the World Cup," McInnes said. "He's been good as gold. Obviously, there's been a lot of chat about potential interest and there's been a lot of conversations had with the club and prospective buyers, but, until an offer comes in that the club need to consider, Nico just has to knuckle down and train."
Meanwhile, Falkirk attacker Finley Barbrook expressed his anticipation for facing McInnes and Rangers in a league match. Barbrook, on loan from Ipswich, recently played against Celtic. "Every player wants to play in those games," the 21-year-old commented. "Being so young, that's a great experience for me. It's such a great league and one that I've watched for quite a long time and admired. Everyone I spoke to said the culture's amazing, everyone's so passionate about football and I'd fit right in."