Barry Ferguson senses Rangers transfer clue in Michael Beale interview as one key signing could ease major 'worry'

Barry Ferguson reckons Michael Beale will be looking for at least one new signing after the boss criticised their defending against Hoffenheim.

Rangers came from two goals down to draw in Germany with Sam Lammers completing the comeback after James Tavernier's penalty. Beale said he was frustrated with the two "really poor" goals his side conceded, though was quick to caveat it after a "disastrous" 24 hours forced him to start Leon Balogun alongside young defender Johnly Yfeko at centre-back.

Record Sport columnist Ferguson was interested by those words as he spoke on Go Radio. And he reckons Beale will be looking to strengthen in defence with the dawn of the Premiership season just days away. He said: "Some of the goals they have conceded in pre-season have been worrying. I seen Michael Beale's interview and he wasn't happy with the two goals they lost in the first half and they were poor, no doubt about that. They need to clean up that quickly because they need to be defensively strong.

"I do think that's an area where he'll look to maybe strengthen. I know he's done a hell of a lot in the forward areas, the amount of players he's brought in there but, I do think they may need another utility type guy in defence who can play in either full-back areas.

"Because (Borna) Barisic is one who is going into the last year of his contract and we can't allow people to go into the final year of a contract and lose them for nothing. In terms of Yilmaz, he's not the most physical. He's really good going forward but the goals that we've lost at the back post areas when cross balls have come in are a bit concerning."

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