Rangers have 'more work to do' amid Ferguson links

Derek McInnes refused to be drawn on links with a move for Scotland midfielder Lewis Ferguson but indicated "there's still more work to do" after Rangers made five signings this summer. Lawrence Shankland was recruited from Hearts before McInnes was appointed Rangers manager and Ben Godfrey, Ross McCrorie, Dan Neil and Ivor Pandur have arrived since. McInnes has been credited with an interest in bringing Bologna captain Ferguson, whom he worked with Aberdeen, to Ibrox. "All I want to do is bring players of a high level, technical level, and ability to play for Rangers," he told Sky Sports. "Obviously, there are a number of players that have been linked with us that do possess that, so I think it would be wrong for me to speak about any player individually. "I understand it's an obvious link [with Ferguson], but we have just got to work away and see what we can do and what we can bring into the club. "If it's clear that we can't bring people in, then we move on quickly, but I've got an idea of the players and the types I want to bring in, and hopefully we can work towards that." McInnes is pleased with the club's transfer dealings so far. "A lot of the conversations were ongoing before I came in, but obviously getting things over the line isn't easy," he told Rangers TV. "People think it is easy to get signings in, but when there are good players involved there's more than one team involved, so I think the board and the recruitment team should be pleased with their work. "Clearly there's still more work to do, but we are pleased with the work we have got done and getting the boys in as early as possible is vitally important." Rangers open their 2026-27 campaign with a Scottish Premiership trip to Dundee United on 31 July, followed by a Europa League third qualifying round first leg against an as yet unknown opponent. "With a different manager there's different demands and a different way of doing things, but the adjustments have been good," McInnes explained. "It is about building connection, fitness, power, strength and togetherness. Having a good pre-season sets you up not just for the first game but for the demands of the season ahead."