I'm hearing Celtic have transfers sealed but Rangers pattern proves Clement is playing a dangerous game – Hugh Keevins

There looks to be a pattern emerging at Ibrox to fit this transfer window.

It might alternatively be known as Rangers’ manager Philippe Clement playing a dangerous game. All of his signings made so far fall readily into the category of being moderately priced and able to be termed projects rather than automatic first-team picks. In other words, it’s what looks suspiciously like the Celtic model of recent times where you buy low and look to sell big at some point in the future.

Except that Celtic are now in the process of having to off-load a series of development signings who were found seriously wanting almost at the point of arrival in Glasgow. The only exception to the rule at Ibrox is Oscar Cortes, who’s on his own in terms of risk strategy. Whether he comes good or goes horribly wrong, Rangers have to pay his parent club, Lens, a fee of £4.5million at the end of the season to come. The words of the former Rangers striker Marco Negri, relating to the purchase of Clinton Nsiala from AC Milan last week were informative, and startling, at the same time.

Negri said: “In a couple of years time, if he continues to improve the way he has, it could turn out to be a great signing.” A couple of years? Rangers need everybody to be oven-ready in a couple of months. I’m hearing Celtic have a couple of transfer deals done, but as yet unannounced, and good money has been set aside for more experienced additions to a title-winning squad.

Brendan Rodgers’ judgement in the transfer market over two spells in charge of Celtic could not be accurately described as flawless, of course. But he is at least working from a position of strength, financially as well as having a league and cup Double platform from which to work. Clement has lost