Rangers reach final decision on January striker deal

Rangers striker Ryan Naderi has attracted significant transfer interest, but Derek McInnes’ side reportedly have no intention of sanctioning a sale during the upcoming winter window.

The 23-year-old moved to Ibrox from Hansa Rostock for €5.5 million in February and after an indifferent first few months in Glasgow, he has been one of the Scottish Premiership’s best performers so far this season.

Naderi has scored nine goals and provided six assists in 17 games across all competitions this term, and he has played a pivotal role in Rangers’ eye-catching form under new boss McInnes.

The striker earned his first senior cap for Czech Republic in October and he has now caught the attention of scouts across Europe, with several clubs eyeing a possible January approach.

That is according to TEAMtalk, who report that West Ham United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and an unnamed club from the Premier League and the Bundesliga are all interested in signing Naderi next year.

It’s understood that Premier League scouts have regularly been in attendance at Ibrox to watch Naderi and team-mate Olwethu Makhanya, however Rangers are desperate to rebuff any offers for the 23-year-old in January.

Naderi is regarded as one of Rangers’ most important players and with the club eager to challenge for major silverware this campaign, they are expected to block a mid-season sale. In addition, it’s understood that Naderi remains focused on continuing his impressive form, despite rising transfer speculation.

Naderi has often partnered Kevin Kelsy in attack for Rangers this season, and McInnes was full of praise following his performance during a 2-0 win over St Mirren last weekend.

“At a club like Rangers, you're going to get judged on the goals,” McInnes told reporters. “If you're going to lead the line for us, then getting those goals is so important and thankfully with his stats he's really contributing.

“Supporters love players who chase lost causes, who run until they're empty really. The fact that he's scoring goals just helps matters with that.”

The Rangers boss added: “He needs to build that reputation for being horrible to play against. You need your number nine to be a bit gallus and have himself up there.

“You cannae be unsure, you cannae be, 'Do I belong here?' I think he's totally shown that he's somebody you can depend on, somebody that can be trusted.”