As the calendar flips to December, the transfer window looms just weeks away, and Rangers manager Philippe Clement is already eyeing potential signings to bolster his squad for the second half of the season.

With the team’s Scottish Cup campaign on the horizon, beginning with a tie against Fraserburgh, Clement is focused on ensuring he has the right personnel to challenge for silverware.

The Scottish Cup is a prestigious competition, and Clement will be hoping to make a strong start against Fraserburgh, a club from the Highland League, on January 20. However, the Rangers boss faces a major challenge in terms of squad depth.

While the January transfer window offers an opportunity for reinforcements, Clement has made it clear that he will need the board’s backing to secure the players he needs to make a genuine push for trophies.

One key issue on Clement’s mind is the future of John Souttar. The 27-year-old central defender has struggled with injuries since arriving at Ibrox from Heart of Midlothian, but when fit, he has shown glimpses of his quality.

Rangers will be keen to secure Souttar’s long-term future, with negotiations over a new deal likely to be a priority in the coming weeks. The Scottish international has a significant role to play in Rangers’ defensive setup, and tying him down to an extension would offer stability to the backline.

Adding firepower to the team will also be crucial for Clement’s plans, as Rangers look to challenge Celtic for dominance both domestically and in European competitions. The manager has already made a fresh plea to the board for additional funds in January to bring in attacking reinforcements.

With the club’s current attacking options struggling to consistently find the net, Clement is targeting a forward who can make an immediate impact and provide competition for the likes of Antonio Colak and Cyriel Dessers.

However, it’s not just in attack where reinforcements are needed. Rangers have been dealt a blow with the news that Neraysho Kasanwirjo, a promising young defender, will be sidelined for up to six months after sustaining a serious injury.

The loss of Kasanwirjo, who has been highly rated by the coaching staff, will leave Rangers with fewer options in defence, making the signing of another defender a pressing concern.

As Clement prepares for the busy January period, the importance of his decisions off the pitch will be just as crucial as his tactical approach on matchday.

With a competitive January transfer window, Rangers’ fortunes in both the Scottish Cup and the Premiership could be significantly influenced by the arrivals that bolster the squad in the coming weeks.