Rangers are stepping up their search for a new striker before the transfer deadline — and Cameron Archer is now firmly at the top of the list.
The Ibrox club are believed to be in pole position to secure a loan deal for the Southampton forward, with negotiations accelerating in recent days. Archer was notably absent from Saints’ Championship win over Stoke, further fuelling speculation that a move could be close.
Manager Danny Rohl is keen to add more firepower for the title run-in, with Bojan Miovski and Youssef Chermiti yet to fully claim the No.9 role. Brazilian forward Danilo, meanwhile, is expected to depart on loan, with NEC Nijmegen leading the chase.
Speaking after the Stoke victory, Southampton boss Tonda Eckert hinted at ongoing discussions surrounding Archer’s future.
“There have been conversations over the last few days,” he said. “I think there will be some news in the next couple of days. These are always busy times with talks going both ways, for players coming in and going out. We’ll see what happens.”
Rangers had also targeted Hansa Rostock striker Ryan Naderi, but after a bid of around £3 million was rejected, that interest appears to have been shelved until the summer window.
That has pushed Archer to the forefront. The 23-year-old, who can play centrally or in wide areas, has scored four goals in 23 appearances this season and has 48 career goals, including Premier League strikes during Southampton’s relegation campaign last term. However, Rangers are not alone in their pursuit, with interest elsewhere in Europe previously noted.
Elsewhere on Rohl’s radar has been BK Häcken midfielder Silas Andersen, though reports suggest the Swedish side’s valuation — believed to be as high as £6 million — has deterred a move after Cologne reportedly saw a £3.5m offer rejected.
Rangers have already strengthened this month, bringing in Andreas Skov Olsen on loan from Wolfsburg, along with Tuur Rommens and Tochi Chukwuani.
If Archer does arrive, Danilo looks the most likely to move on. The Brazilian, signed from Feyenoord for £6m, has endured an injury-hit spell at Ibrox, scoring 15 goals in 62 appearances, and could now be allowed to leave temporarily in search of regular football.
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