Rangers closing in on eighth signing of the summer – Derek McInnes

Derek McInnes revealed Rangers are closing in on their eighth signing of the summer as he strives to add more creativity ahead of Friday’s William Hill Premiership opener at Dundee United.

The recently-appointed Gers boss is pleased with the way his squad is shaping up but still feels certain areas need strengthening.

McInnes is optimistic that at least one new face will be recruited in time for the trip to Tannadice.

“I think that we’re close to getting one done, we feel,” he told Sky Sports on Monday. “And we’re actively trying to get one more done before the weekend, all being well.

“I’m confident that the recruitment team have been really aggressive with what they’re trying to do and we’re all singing from the same page really about what we’re looking for.

“The targets have been identified but getting them here is another thing. But we’re working hard to do that.”

McInnes feels his squad is in need of more attacking invention.

“We’ve got good options in certain areas of the pitch,” he said. “We’re a wee bit light defensively. We’ve got good numbers centrally (in midfield).

“We’ve got good options at centre forward. But I do think in those creative moments, (we need) the ability to penetrate more and create a bit more and more people who can isolate one-v-one just a wee bit more, just try to get that bit more creativity.

“We’ve got good players here but I do think it’s an area we can improve on and hopefully we can get that done.”

McInnes, who was headhunted from Hearts in June, is relishing his first competitive game in charge after Rangers completed their pre-season schedule with a 0-0 draw at home to West Ham on Sunday.

“Physically we’re ready,” he said. “I feel confident that we have done some good work in the last few weeks. Every game has been a bit more challenging and every game has been a step up, but I think from that point of view we have coped really well.

“Obviously every team and every manager is still looking for some key additions. But in terms of the four weeks (we’ve been) back now, the players have approached their work brilliantly and everybody just looks for that first game proper.

“I’m glad the pre-season friendlies are over with. They serve a purpose but friendlies are friendlies for a reason and the first game at Dundee United on Friday is the important one. We’ve got to be as ready as we can be, and, as I said, physically I think we are.”