Rangers have had an extremely active summer, but look set for one last final flourish with just five days left before the transfer window slams shut.
It has been a hectic first summer window for the Andrew Cavenagh-led consortium involving 49ers Enterprises, with new signings already in double figures. However, Rangers' worst start to a league season since 1985 has proven how the squad still requires further surgery in order to compete with Celtic for the Scottish Premiership title
Ibrox has already waved goodbye to Ridvan Yilmaz, Jefté and Robin Pröpper this summer, with Hamza Igamane expected to be next in line to depart after Rangers agreed a fee with Ligue 1 outfit Lille on Tuesday. Doubts remain over the future of Cyriel Dessers and Nedim Bajrami, though, while the futures of Oscar Cortes, Leon King, Rabbi Matondo, and Clinton Nsiala are all uncertain as a busy deadline day awaits.
But how would Martin’s Rangers squad look come the first game of the season, if the recent transfer rumours turn out to be accurate?
Here, The Scotsman assesses what Rangers’ dream squad would look like come the morning of September 2 if the recent transfer rumours are true - though with twists and turns still to come, nothing can be guaranteed.
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1. GK: Jack Butland
Linked to numerous goalkeepers in the summer, it looks like Butland has convinced Russell Martin that he still has it in him to be Rangers' number one, though a late deal can't be ruled out. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
2. RB: James Tavernier/Max Aarons
Signed on loan from Bournemouth in the summer, Aarons appears to be Russell Martin's first choice at present. That said, many fans have been unimpressed by his start at Ibrox, while captain Tavernier continues to produce in front of goal when called upon. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
3. CB: Nasser Djiga/Emmanuel Fernandez
Arrived on loan from Wolves in July with a big reputation, but has had two high-profile gaffes already in his early Rangers career. He has been impressive in spells though, and will be given more time to settle in Rangers back four. Fernandez provides back up. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
4. CB: John Souttar
In the final year of his contract at Ibrox, the Scotland international has struggled in the early parts of the new campaign. Linked with a move for Bournemouth centre-back Chris Mepham earlier this week, it looks like the Welsh international will be joining West Bromwich Albion instead. Russell Martin is clearly hoping to add to his backline, which could prove a problem for Souttar over the next five days. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group