GvB can land the next McCoist as Rangers eye summer swoop for “superb” £5m gem - opinion

Having ceded their Scottish Premiership crown to their Old Firm rivals last term, Rangers are seemingly plotting ways to hit back next season, with their summer transfer activity set to prove vital if the Ibrox side are to return to the summit.

At present, however, much of the focus has been on outgoings for Giovanni van Bronckhorst and co, with one notable departure thus far having been that of striker Cedric Itten, with the Switzerland ace having joined BSC Young Boys on a permanent deal.

His exit – as well as the contract uncertainty surrounding talisman Alfredo Morelos – has left manager van Bronckhorst desperately short of options in attack, with additional centre-forward reinforcements needed before the start of next season.

One figure who has emerged as a potential solution to that striking problem is Sunderland hotshot Ross Stewart, with Northern Echo journalist Scott Wilson revealing that the 25-year-old is the Gers’ “number one option” to replace Morelos, should the Colombian depart.

The belief is that the recent League One play-off final winners will attempt to offer the Scotsman a new deal to stay at the Stadium of Light, although he could no doubt be tempted by the prospect of European football at Ibrox, with the player potentially available for around £5m.

The Irvine-born marksman has emerged as a top target following his sparkling form for Alex Neil’s side in the 2021/22 campaign, with the former Ross County man – who moved south of the border in January 2021 – having netted 26 goals and provided three assists in 49 appearances.

That stunning form has also caught the attention of national team boss Steve Clarke, with the £450k-rated forward handed his first international call-up in March, before making his