Alex Rae reveals Rangers transfer fascination as hyped pundit predicts Michael Beale switch after adding muscle

Former Rangers star Alex Rae admits he shares the rising confidence of supporters over Michael Beale's revamped side.

And the 53-year-old reckons the Ibrox boss is building a squad packed with flexibility and extra muscle in their bid to take on Celtic. Familiar faces like Allan McGregor, Filip Helander, Scott Arfield, Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent have said goodbye with Jack Butland, Dujon Sterling, Kieran Dowell, Sam Lammers, Cyriel Dessers and Abdallah Sima arriving. And buoyant Rae reckons the success of January signings Todd Cantwell and Nico Raskin can be backed up by the latest recruits.

Speaking to Legal Sports Book, he said: "There is a real excitement among the fans – a real optimism. I’m really encouraged by what has been happening. Michael Beale had to move fast with so many players going out the door and he has done exactly that. He clearly targeted these players in advance and he has done some fantastic business. He’s also bringing in younger players when you consider Lammers, Dowell, Sterling and Abdallah Sima are all under 26 – just like Todd Cantwell and Nico Raskin who came in January. So, they can be developed too and you have the experience of Dessers who is 28 and Jack Butland at 30. We all know the impact that Cantwell and Raskin had and I think the Rangers fans are looking for the same from the new signings."

And Rae is certain changes – or the option to do so – are inbound for a side who came up short last season. But the former Ibrox star isn utterly convinced the new look Rangers have choices in abundance.

He added: “I will be fascinated to see what system Michael will play. I think he has real flexibility now with the players he has brought in – especially middle to front. You’d imagine