Arthur Numan admits Rangers are in trouble if they fail to land a proper No9 this summer.
Michael Beale's men are destined to finish the season without any silverware after falling to defeat against Celtic at Hampden in the Scottish Cup semi-final. The Hoops have already lifted the League Cup and can secure the Premiership crown for the second successive season at Tynecastle against Hearts on Sunday as they look to land a Treble.
Fashion Sakala was guilty of an open goal sitter at the national stadium while Alfredo Morelos was once gain ineffective, with the Colombian now looking increasingly likely to depart Ibrox. Beale has spoken of his desire to land a striker and former defender Numan believes it MUST be the starting point for the summer recruitment. He is aware of the costs that come with finding that player but says his old club need to be prepared to cough up.
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He said: “We need to find better players in the summer transfer window. The main starting point for me is to find a centre-forward.
“It's quite clear Alfredo Morelos won't be at the club next season. Indeed, he probably should have been sold last summer.
“Now, the challenge is to bring someone into the first team that will get us more than 20 goals a season and will score at important moments.
“There isn't someone in the squad who has that in his locker right now. So, we need to step it up. There are many new players required but if we fail to get a proper No.9 in then we are in trouble.
“I appreciate it may well cost a substantial transfer fee but we need to be prepared to splash out for the right player.
“It's important for the new players to arrive at the club as quickly as possible so they are ready for the Champions League qualifiers.”
The arrival of a striker is just one of many transfers Beale hopes to complete this summer as he completely overhauls his squad. Fringe men Scott Wright and Jon McLaughlin are reportedly heading for the exit door while a host of players alongside Morelos including Ryan Kent, Allan McGregor, Filip Helander and Steven Davis are out of contact.
Jack Butland, Kieran Dowell and Morgan Whittaker are just a few of the names linked with moves north of the border and Numan has stressed the importance of new players hitting the ground running in the race for the title with Celtic and Champions League qualifying.
Writing in his 5Stars column, the former Netherlands International added: “The Old Firm game is usually in the first few league games of the campaign and we want to be in a position to win that.
“We can't lose and be playing catch-up once again. There has been far too much of that in recent times.
“It's over to Michael, his staff, the board and the players to get us going again. We can still do it. Let's stick together.”
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