Rangers

Southampton boss Tonda Eckert is "expecting some news" on Cameron Archer's move to Rangers in the coming days.

The Ibrox club are reportedly keen for a loan move for the striker if their pursuit of Hansa Rostock's Ryan Naderi falls through.

Hansa Rostock's manager Daniel Brinkmann has made it clear of his desire to keep the striker as Rangers eye alternatives.

Speaking about the future of Archer, Saints boss Eckert told BBC Radio Solent "I think there were some conversations over the last days, so I'm expecting there will be some news over the next days."

Rangers fans, we asked for your views on Findlay Curtis' loan move to Kilmarnock for the remainder of the season.

Here's what some of you said:

David: Apart from a very young Allan McGregor, has there been any player sent on loan who has returned to have a successful career at Ibrox? The length of Findlay's contract extension signed a year ago was not disclosed but he'll be lucky to see the end of it after this loan. Really feel for this young talent.

Jonathan: He's shown more spirit, promise and consistency than the majority of new signings. Need him as an impact player for the rest of the season.

Alan W: Never understood why we have an academy and ship out players who make it to the first team and buy expensive dross in their place. I would rather watch a team of seven or eight home grown guys who might take a couple of seasons to get going than expensive flops. When we came up through the lower leagues we had the perfect opportunity to do just that.

Anon: Absolutely unbelievable sending our most promising academy graduate in years out to play on a plastic pitch every other week until May. Danny Rohl totally contradicts himself on wanting more Scottish players in his squad and all he has done is mistreat two youngsters in Curtis and Lyall Cameron by sending them out on loan. Why would any youngster sign for us when the path to the first team is blocked. The odds on playing for Alloa or Raith Rovers are much better than making it into the Rangers first team.

Steven: I just don't understand our thinking regarding these homegrown youngsters. I mean, take Barca and youngster Lamine Yamal from their academy. They see he has potential and what do they do? Get him into the first team and the lad is playing Champions League football by the time he's 17 and he's still a regular first team player. It just makes no sense to me why we do what we do.

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Winger Mikey Moore is urging Rangers to park their Europa League disappointment and focus on their "big opportunity" for another league title.

Rangers played their final Europa League game on Thursday night, a 3-1 defeat at Porto, although the Glasgow club had already been eliminated from the competition.

Danny Rohl's side finished 32nd in the 36 team table with four points from their eight games.

But domestically it's still all to play for in the Scottish Premiership title race.

Having looked all but out of the race before Rohl took charge in October, Rangers have steadied the ship and find themselves second in the table, four points behind leaders Hearts.

And Moore admits while reflection on their European campaign is required, they have to quickly turn their attention to league business.

"We've got to reflect on it and realise as a club we need to go further than we have done," the 18-year-old said.

"But now we've got a big opportunity in another competition and we need to just put our all into that.

"There's going to be some massive games but we all need to be together. it's going to take all of us. At the minute there's a good feeling around the place, as a group we just need to push each other.

"We're all fighting for our spot in the team now which is what you need at a big club. For me personally, and as a team, we need to push on."

As they struggle to make a breakthrough in their bid for Hansa Rostock's Ryan Naderi, Rangers are looking into a loan move for fellow forward Cameron Archer, with Southampton prepared to let the 24-year-old leave for a large chunk of his wages. (Daily Record), external

Rangers have had a second bid to land Hansa Rostock striker Ryan Naderi rejected, having submitted a fresh offer that totals £3.1m, inclusive of add-ons. (TeamTalk), external

Rangers are now prepared to buy Ryan Naderi for an immediate £2.6m transfer fee and then loan him back to Hansa Rostock to help in their promotion bid, but the German third-tier club have rejected the offer. (Bild), external

In-demand striker Ryan Naderi is willing to sign for Rangers now and then go back on loan to Hansa Rostock in a bid to seal his dream move after a fresh transfer offer was rejected. (Daily Record), external

Striker Joel Piroe, 26, has made it clear to Leeds United that he has no interest in a loan move to Rangers. (TeamTalk), external

If Rangers can add another forward before the end of the transfer window, it could pave the way for Danilo to depart, with Nijmegen waiting for the green light on a loan move for the 26-year-old. (Anthony Joseph on X), external

Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images/SNS

Kilmarnock have signed Manchester United striker Joe Hugill on an 18-month deal, while also adding young Rangers winger Findlay Curtis on loan until the end of the season.

Hugill, 22, spent time with Newcastle and Sunderland as a youth before joining Manchester United in 2020, where he has never made a senior appearance.

He has spent time on loan at Altrincham, Burton Albion, Wigan Athletic, Carlisle United and most recently Barnet.

Curtis, 19, has scored three goals and chipped in with two assists in 21 appearances for Rangers this season.

Kilmarnock manager Neil McCann knows Curtis from his time on Barry Ferguson's coaching staff last season at Ibrox and will hope the new signings help Killie climb the Scottish Premiership table.

The Rugby Park outfit are 11th, three points above bottom club Livingston.

Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland

"He's on the right track."

That's what Rangers head coach Danny Rohl said about 19-year-old Findlay Curtis on Thursday night as questions continue to swirl over the youngster's future.

Curtis started the Europa League defeat in Porto and made an impact after just six minutes, providing the cross for Djeidi Gassama to head Rangers into an early lead.

Rohl's side went on to lose 3-1, bringing an underwhelming European campaign to and end, but Curtis proved to be a shining light on an otherwise dull night.

"I want to praise Findlay," Rohl said after the game.

"He understood my words to him two-and-a-half weeks ago when we spoke honestly about where I see him.

"Since then, he's had exactly the right mindset. Today he was brave and nice in possession."

The winger has made 21 appearances in all competitions this season but has only played 596 minutes, which works out at around 28 minutes per game.

Still, in his limited game-time he has shown plenty of promise, registering three goals and two assists.

In the Premiership he has played 194 minutes across 10 games and created three chances from open play. His two fast breaks have only been bettered by Djeidi Gassama and Nedim Bajrami while his shooting accuracy of 66.7% is better than strikers Youssef Chermiti and Danilo, as well as captain James Tarvernier.

With Rohl keen in bring in additional attacking reinforcements before Monday night's transfer deadline, Curtis could find himself pushed further down the pecking order. He has been strongly linked with a loan move to Kilmarnock.

Rohl said: "We'll make a decision in the next couple of days on him but we need to look at the bigger picture.

"It's about game-time. It doesn't matter what we decide - he's on the right track."

Kilmarnock assistant Billy Dodds, who alongside manager Neil McCann worked with Curtis during their time on Rangers' coaching staff last season, thinks a loan switch to Ayrshire would be the best move.

"I can't confirm anything at the moment," the Killie assistant told BBC Sportsound about a potential loan.

"The best case for him to develop would be to get game-time and I'm not sure he's going to get that at Rangers with the signings they've made.

"He's got to play games somewhere and I think it'll be good for his development.

"I know Neil worked with him hard in terms of shaping crosses in and he's like a sponge, he takes it on board. His cross in Porto was top drawer.

"He's got a fantastic attitude to go with his technical ability. His attitude is to die for so he would be a good addition."

Rangers fans, what do you think? Should Curtis be kept at Ibrox for the title run-in - or sent to Kilmarnock for more game-time?

Let us know your thoughts.

Alasdair Lamont
BBC Sport Scotland in Porto

Image source, SNS

Emmanuel Fernandez is ignoring transfer speculation to focus on Rangers' pursuit of domestic success after their disappointing Europa League campaign ended.

The centre-back, who moved to Ibrox on a four-year deal from Peterborough last summer, has reportedly attracted interest from German giants Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen this month.

But, speaking after the 3-1 defeat at Porto, 24-year-old Fernandez said: "Honestly, I haven't even heard about it.

"I'm focused on what's going on here and I'm focused on being successful for this club.

"We've just got to keep moving, keep going, keep grinding and we'll get results."

Defeat in Portugal halted Rangers' eight-game winning streak but Fernandez is confident Danny Rohl's side can quickly put the setback behind them as they embark on the domestic title run-in.

The Ibrox side, four points behind leaders Hearts, travel to Easter Road on Saturday to face fifth-place Hibs.

"Look, we're out of this competition, but we've got 15 games to go, and a lot to do in these 15 games," Fernandez said.

"We know it's a big 15 games left but I feel like we just need to take it game by game, focus on each game and bring a good performance on Sunday.

"I feel like as much as we've got to focus on other teams, we've got to focus on ourselves as well, we've got to focus on bringing the best of ourselves each game and make sure that every game we bring a good result.

"I feel like everyone's come together and we're putting in results. I feel like there's a lot more to come from this team. We put this game to rest. We don't think about it and we move on to the next."

Asked what would be the key factor to Rangers being successful this season, he added: "I think being a team, that's the main thing for every single game, then we know that there are positives that come from that. If we don't be a team, then it's going to be a difficult moment.

"As long as we're connected on the pitch and we're connected as a group off the pitch then there's not really many teams that can come up against us and take us toe to toe.

"I back every person in the team. I think we all back each other and I feel like whatever happens, then we still have a strong squad."

We asked for your thoughts after Rangers were beaten 3-1 in Porto in their final Europa League game.

Here's a taste of what you had to say:

Tom: Liked our defensive organisation and felt we were unfortunate to lose the first goal but we have to ditch James Tavernier if we are to win the league. Great to have John Souttar back and I believe Dujon Sterling and Derek Cornelius are close to playing again. Mohamed Diomande was excellent, as was Nicolas Raskin, and Findlay Curtis must stay in the team. If we can find a cutting edge up front I am optimistic for the league run-in.

Louise: While we have improved domestically it seems the European stage is a step too far for us this season. We started making the same defensive errors that were made at the start of the season after a promising start and a great goal. Porto are a decent side and they highlighted where we still need to strengthen. My only hope is this defeat doesn't knock our confidence at home.

Drew: Put it behind us, it was going to be a hard night and we had a mishap or two due to disorganisation. This was a game we had to play, not one we were probably ready for yet. Tomorrow is a new day, next game, move on and keep going.

John: Very poor in some areas and some home truths required. Old servant Tav was wickedly exposed with lack of pace. He rarely gets in a delivery, his time has come. Max Aarons is a rabbit in the headlights, will never meet expectations. Offload. Djeidi Gassama, hugely overrated. Work shy at best and good at falling down. He may score the occasional goal, but flatters to deceive most of the time. Curtis is a better option. Cash in.

Fraser: I'm so glad the European embarrassment is over. Now it's back to the main event of winning the league. We are a long long way from being a force in Europe, as are Celtic, it's the price we pay for playing in a poor league.

Brian: The Europa League this campaign was always a distraction and best forgotten as it only served to damage the club's European reputation. My heart sinks when I see Max Aarons name on the teamsheet. All focus now on the domestic front - everything is coming together nicely for a push for the league title.

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• Rangers have now lost six consecutive away European games (including qualifiers), their outright longest losing streak on the road in Europe.

• Rangers shipped three first-half goals for only the second time in the Europa League (also three v Lyon in October 2024) and just the eighth time in major European competition.

• Rangers have conceded 26 goals in European competition this season (including qualifiers), with Celtic in 2021-22 the only Scottish side to ship more in a single campaign (27).

• Djeidi Gassama is just the third different French player to score more than once for a Scottish side in a Europa League campaign (Odsonne Edouard three times for Celtic and Marc-Antoine Fortune also for Celtic) and the first to do so for Rangers.

• James Tavernier made his 70th appearance in major European competition for Rangers, with only goalkeeper Allan McGregor making more for the club (78), while David Narey (76 for Dundee United) and Callum McGregor (72 for Celtic) are the only outfield players to make more appearances for a single Scottish side in major European football than Tavernier.

Ryan Naderi has "filed a transfer request" to Hansa Rostock as he makes clear his desire to move to Rangers in a £2.6m deal. (TAG24 via Scottish Sun)

Hansa Rostock manager Daniel Brinkmann says the German club want to keep Rangers target Naderi. (The Herald)

Rangers will try to sign Leeds United striker Joel Piroe if the move for Naderi falls through. (Sky Germany via Daily Record)

Rangers striker Danilo is poised to make a loan switch to Eredivisie side NEC Nijmegen. (Voetbal International via Scottish Sun)

Rangers boss Danny Rohl says a decision will be made on youngster Findlay Curtis' future - who has been linked with a loan move to Kilmarnock - in the coming days. (Daily Record)

Rohl vowed to push hard for "extra quality" before the transfer window closes on Monday after a toothless Rangers performance against Porto. (Scottish Sun)

Read the rest of Friday's gossip.

Rangers' Europa League campaign ended in defeat by Porto who progress directly to the last 16 as a result of this comeback win.

Read the full match report here.

Let us know your thoughts here.

Rangers head coach Danny Rohl: "It was a good game to watch, both teams tried something in possession and against the ball, after 20 minutes I felt we were in a good way.

"I compare this game to the Bergen [Brann] game and I see a massive, massive step forward. It's still not good enough, we know what we have to improve in the future, especially in this competition.

"In general, I'm still proud of the development, especially in Europe. I'm now fully focused on the league. We have a mission and for this, we have all our energy now.

"I tried to manage the load for nearly every position. Today, we missed Tochi [Chukwuani] to give us the extra push. But both [Raskin and Diomande] did well, covered a lot of metres. The good thing is that Nico can go again and again.

"I want to praise Findlay [Curtis] for the last two weeks. Findlay understood my words, we were very honest about how I see him. Since then, the mindset has been excellent - brave, nice in possession."

Alasdair Lamont
BBC Sport Scotland Commentator

The last few days of the transfer window could determine how the Premiership title race pans out and Rangers fans will hope their club can do a little more business to bolster their own ambitions.

Watching the game against Dundee, it struck me that for all of the improvements Danny Rohl has made, Rangers still lack a player who can unlock a packed defence with a killer pass. A creative attacking midfielder who could be the difference between winning the league and finishing second or third.

Of course, such players are hard to come by and if they have proven pedigree they aren't going to be cheap either, but if Rangers could unearth someone with the guile to play the killer passes and chip in with a few goals, their chances of silverware would be much improved.

I discussed last week the possibility that Bojan Miovski and Youssef Chermiti might be sufficient in terms of striking options for the remainder of the season but I suspect supporters would be delighted to welcome another option up front, particularly if Danilo is departing.

Otherwise, Rangers look to have decent options throughout the squad. Maybe Rohl would like to have a designated number six, which would allow Nico Raskin to play further forward, but the Belgian is more than capable of playing that role.

Tochi Chukwuani showed up pretty well on his first start against Dundee, though Andreas Skov Olsen was quieter and will need to quickly get up to speed if he is to have the desired impact.

Neither of them can play against Porto on Thursday - a game where the priority for Rangers is to try to continue the feelgood factor of their eight-match winning run.

After that, focus will quickly shift to another massive game at the weekend away to Hibs.

A tough assignment for Rohl's side but one from which they need maximum points to keep the pressure on their title rivals.

Rangers are reluctant to sell winger Oliver Antman despite an enquiry from Feyenoord and will consider a loan option for a striker should they and Hansa Rostock fail to agree a fee for Ryan Naderi. (Joshua Barrie on X)

Sheffield United have won the race to sign 31-year-old midfielder Joe Rothwell from Rangers on a permanent deal. (Michael Bleach on X)

Rangers could allow 26-year-old striker Danilo to leave in the final stages of the January window if a replacement can be found. (Football Insider)

Porto head coach Francesco Farioli has revealed he held discussions with Rangers about their managerial vacancy when Ross Wilson was the sporting director at Ibrox. (The Scotsman)

Rejecting attractive bids for Youssef Chermiti and Djeidi Gassama shows Rangers' transfer policy has changed under their new ownership. (Daily Record)

Read the rest of Thursday's gossip.

Calum Macdonald
BBC Sport Scotland in Porto

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Max Aarons has praised the leadership of James Tavernier and says he is integral to Rangers' turnaround in form.

Skipper Tavernier scored his 100th league goal for Rangers as they made it eight straight wins with a 3-0 home victory over Dundee in the Premiership on Sunday.

Speaking before Danny Rohl's side take on Porto on Thursday night in their final Europa League game of the season, fellow full-back Aarons said: "Amazing, as far as leaders have gone in my career, that I've played with, he's one of the best.

"I think he sets that example through how he plays and how he brings that every day in training.

"He's been a big part in us turning round the form, we want to push each other and ultimately the important thing is that the team is doing well."

Rangers are already out of the Europa League but Aarons says it's important to carry on their winning run before a trip to Easter Road on Sunday to face Hibs.

"Coming into this game, with eight wins in a row, we want to carry on and continue that," the 26-year-old said.

"Despite the competition, if we win on Thursday, we go into Sunday with another good feeling, that's the aim.

Porto sit top of the Portuguese league with 18 wins in 19 and a victory over Rangers is likely to send them straight through to the Europa League last 16.

"I think it's a really good test for us, a team that's top of their league, they look an experienced and strong team," said Aarons.

"It's a good test to see how far we've come as well. Not so long ago at the start of this competition there was difficult moments, I think we've had good games and we're definitely confident.

"I feel like now, on the pitch, more moments are going for us as opposed to going against us. That's because we're doing everything better, whether that be set-pieces, or little details, you can feel it in the games, more of the actions are coming off for us and that's leading to more wins."

Alasdair Lamont
BBC Sport Scotland in Porto

Rangers head coach Danny Rohl has been talking to the media as his side prepare to face hosts Porto in their final game of this season's Europa League.

Here are the key points:

• Rohl didn't want to discuss transfer dealings in any detail but stresses the desire to strengthen the squad, not weaken it, during this window. He would not confirm an interest in Hansa Rostock striker Ryan Naderi but admitted Rangers are looking for "an attacking player".

• Incoming signings do not really depend on getting players out the door. "If we can do something, we will do it," says Rohl.

• With Rangers having reportedly rejected big-money bids for Youssef Chermiti and Djeidi Gassama, Rohl believes it is positive clubs are interested in his players but says "we want to keep our best players".

• He has a number in his head regarding how many more signings he wants, saying: "The next three, four days will be a little bit crazy. Some moments you think you have a yes, then maybe not. But, all in all, I think at the end of the window we should be a good number of players."

• Utility man Dujon Sterling will train on Thursday but has not travelled, striker Danilo is out as his partner is expecting a baby, while midfielder Joe Rothwell "has small problems but should be okay" and the three new signings are ineligible.

• A clean sheet is the most important thing from Thursday's game. "We have to be well organised. We want to be a nasty opponent."

• The Ibrox boss says it is important to have rotation but "players are excited to play" in a game against a difficult opponent.