Dutchman targets more options in forward area

GIOVANNI VAN BRONCKHORST has targeted further attacking reinforcements this summer after completing a deal to sign former Derby County captain Tom Lawrence.

Herald and Times Sport revealed on Thursday that Rangers had won the race for Lawrence’s signature and had seen off competition from Sheffield United to clinch a move.

The capture of Lawrence came just 24 hours after striker Antonio Colak became the first signing of the transfer window as he signed on a three-year contract.

Van Bronckhorst was left short of forward options towards the end of last season as midfielder Joe Aribo had to deputise for the injured Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe during the run to the Europa League final and Scottish Cup win. And the Ibrox boss is determined to avoid a repeat of that situation this time around as he bids to add more firepower to his side ahead of the new campaign.

Van Bronckhorst said: “We are still busy. I think a couple more, yes. We need that to be successful throughout the whole season. You saw last season that we were lacking a little bit of depth up front with the strikers that we lost.

“I don’t want to come into another situation where I have to play someone like Joe as a striker. [We] just [want to be] prepared for everything that can happen to this club and then still have quality.”

Lawrence has moved to Ibrox on a free transfer after opting not to extend his stay at Derby following their relegation to League One. The 28-year-old arrives in Glasgow with plenty of experience from his time down south and

Van Bronckhorst is sure he will lead by example after skippering Wayne Rooney’s side last term.

Van Bronckhorst said: “If you see him, I saw a lot of games that he played for Derby last year. He was the captain of the team so that means that he has leadership qualities. He is a player who can bring goals and assists to the team with his strengths and ability to get his shots on goal and assist other players.

“He makes his runs behind the defence, [is] available in between lines. He is a very complete player and is at an age where he has already had years on a level where he has been playing a lot.”