Michael Beale 'in talks' with players as he looks to strengthen Rangers squad
The Ibrox boss says discussions are underway with players over potential transfers
Michael Beale revealed he has spoken to at least two players who are keen to come to Rangers "sooner rather than later".
The Gers boss has had more time to focus on new recruits following the 2-2 draw with Celtic on Monday, which kept the Hoops nine points clear of the Light Blues at the top of the cinch Premiership.
Ahead of the trip to Dundee United on Sunday, Beale, named Scottish Premiership manager of the month for December 2022, updated his recruitment plans.
"We have spoken to two or three players," said the former QPR boss, who confirmed John Souttar has returned to training along with Ianis Hagi, while fellow long-term injured team-mate Tom Lawrence has visited a specialist about his ankle problem which is causing discomfort.
"Our phone has not stopped. There is a lot of players interested in coming here. I have to make sure they are the right ones.
"I'm a little bit fussy. It's alright doing something on Zoom, I want to sit in front of a player and look in his eyes.
"My schedule has been pretty packed out up until the game on Monday. This week has been spent meeting people face to face and getting a feel for them, telling them exactly what I want, not the other way round. What I am expecting from them.
"When I am recruiting I am recruiting for specific roles.
"We obviously have the game on Sunday, then a free week into the semi-final with Aberdeen, but in between it gives me more time to do things.
"The negotiation part then takes place. I'm not so much involved in that, that is with the agents and football clubs involved.
"I would say that the two or three I've spoken to are very keen to come and sooner rather than later, the same on our side. So let's see.
"There won't be anyone in before this weekend."
Former Derby midfielder Lawrence has been out since a 4-0 win over Ross County in August and it was hoped he would return at the end of the month.
However, Beale said: "Tom was away seeing a specialist again yesterday, just to get some idea of what comes next. He has had a little bit of discomfort.
"I know we said towards the end of this month (he would be back) but that might be in jeopardy. It is not definitely in jeopardy.
"There is no good or bad news, we just need to get an update."
Ally McCoist
Ally McCoist is the clubs' record goal scorer, landing 355 goals in his 581 appearances. He played for the club from 1983-1998. McCoist also won two back-to-back European Golden Shoe's, in 1991/92 and 1992/93. While playing for Rangers, McCoist won 20 trophies.
The club legend managed the side from 2011-2015, where he won a League One title and a Third division title.
John Greig
Often called 'the greatest Ranger', Greig holds the record for the most appearances made for the side. He made 755 appearances between 1961-1978, where he also scored 120 goals and won 16 trophies.
Sandy Jardine
Right back Sandy Jardine made 674 appearances for Rangers and scored 77 goals. Jardine won two domestic trebles in 1975/76 and 1977/78. Jardine won 14 trophies at Rangers, including their only European trophy.
Davie Cooper
Davie Cooper made 540 appearances for Rangers where he scored 75 goals. He won 13 trophies while at the club.
Bill Struth
Bill Struth was the second manager of Rangers Football Club, and lead the club for 34 years between 1920 and 1954. Struth won a record 18 Scottish league championships, 10 Scottish Cups and two Scottish League Cups.
Walter Smith
Smith managed Rangers from 1991-1998, where he won 13 major trophies in seven years, including seven league titles in succession. He returned to Rangers in January 2007, where we went on to win eight trophies during his second spell as Rangers manager and guided the team to the 2008 UEFA Cup Final. This would be Walter Smith's final managerial job as he retired in 2011.
Brain Laudrup
Brian Laudrup won three consecutive league titles for rangers between 1994 and 1998. He scored 44 goals in his 150 appearances.
Paul Gascoigne
Paul Gascoigne played for Rangers from 1995-1998, where he won two consecutive titles and two doubles. Gazza scored 39 goals in his 103 appearances.
Richard Gough
Richard Gough played for Rangers from 1987-1998 where he won 18 trophies, including nine consecutive Scottish Premier Division titles. The right back made 244 appearances and scored 37 goals.
Moses McNeil
Alongside William McBeath, Peter Campbell and his brother, Peter McNeil, Moses McNeil is one of the founding members of Rangers Football Club. In May 1872, Rangers played their first ever match against Callander F.C. at Glasgow Green's Flesher's Haugh, which resulted in a 0–0 draw.