RANGERS fans have counted them out and counted them in over the last three summer windows as the Ibrox squad has been overhauled and reshaped at considerable cost. Where Mark Warburton and Pedro Caixinha led, Steven Gerrard now looks set to follow as he closes in on a deal to become the next Light Blues boss.

The 37-year-old will be backed in the transfer market by Dave King and his board during the close season as he attempts to add the required quality and quantity to his ranks to enable him to mount a challenge to Celtic in the Premiership and bring silverware back to Ibrox.

His inexperience as a manager may be an obvious negative but his name alone should hold sway with players, while his extensive contacts from his playing career will need to be called upon.

Director of Football Mark Allen will have a key part to play and this is the first real test of his credentials in the market, and of the scouting department he installed last year.

Here, SportTimes looks at the pool Gerrard will inherit and where he must add if he is to achieve his ambitions in his first campaign in the dugout.

GOALKEEPER

Rangers have already made a move to strengthen between the sticks after putting a deal on the table for former Ibrox shot-stopper Allan McGregor. The 36-year-old may be in the twilight of his career but he is still a reliable keeper and his experience of Rangers will certainly be useful.

That swoop will surely mean the end of the road for Wes Foderingham or Jak Alnwick, or perhaps both. Losing the gloves isn’t likely to be an appealing prospect for Foderingham, while Alnwick will want to play more football than he has of late.

Up-and-coming keepers Liam Kelly and Robby McCrorie could then make the step into the first team fold and learn from McGregor at Ibrox.

DEFENCE

This is the area of the side that needs the most investment as Rangers look to finally solve their long-running issues in their own half.

With David Bates heading to Hamburg, Russell Martin due to go back to Norwich and Ross McCrorie more adept in midfield, Gerrard should be looking at recruiting four centre-backs.

Moving on a high-earning Bruno Alves could be easier said than done, but there is more chance of a side taking a chance on Fabio Cardoso, who has shown signs of promise this term but probably isn’t what Rangers need.

Rangers have been crying out for a commanding, physical centre-half for some time and Gerrard must look to build a solid spine as quickly as possible. Alongside that new face, there could be scope for a more ball-playing defender, depending on how Gerrard sets the team up.

At full-back, there are real doubts over the future of club captain Lee Wallace following the fall-out from the Scottish Cup semi-final defeat to Celtic. And, while Declan John has been steady enough this term, Rangers need another option, with Lee Hodson and Myles Beerman not up to the task.

On the other side, James Tavernier is now the skipper. Even if Gerrard rates the Englishman, who could attract interest from south of the border, there is no natural back-up in the squad and that must be addressed.

Rangers have conceded too many soft and needless goals once again this season and Gerrard will go a long way to transforming their fortunes by sorting out the back four.

MIDFIELD

This should become the strongest area of Gerrard’s side as he looks to identify fresh talent and improve those already at Ibrox with his vast experience in the game. Scott Arfield has already been secured on a pre-contract but there could be considerable turnover here.

Sean Goss will go back to QPR, while Andy Halliday and Jason Holt could find themselves surplus to requires. Two of Caixinha’s signings – Ryan Jack and Graham Dorrans – can have roles within the squad, but the less said about Carlos Pena the better and Rangers could be left counting a heavy cost if they can’t shift the Mexican.

There is more to come from Greg Docherty and Jordan Rossiter, once compared to Gerrard as he emerged through the Liverpool ranks, has one last chance to impress after another injury-hit campaign.

It would be no surprise to see Gerrard bring in a couple of new faces here, though, and a creative central player is a must for Rangers. The No.10 role doesn’t suit Josh Windass and the Gers need someone with more guile in the final third.

McCrorie has the attributes to play as the holding midfielder and, despite a lack of experience, deserves his place in the squad. Another combative ball-winner is still required, though.

ATTACK

There was plenty of debate surrounding Alfredo Morelos after Rangers knocked back a series of bids for the Colombian in January and only time will tell if they attempt to cash in at the second time of asking.

Morelos may have made the headlines for all the wrong reasons at times but his first campaign at Ibrox has been impressive overall and he could deliver once again next season.

But Rangers badly need another striking option if they are going to challenge for silverware. Jason Cummings hasn’t done enough to convince he is that man, while Eduardo Herrera should be moved on. Kenny Miller, out of contract in a few weeks, won’t play for the Gers again.

On the wings, Jamie Murphy has shown flashes of what he could bring to the side, while Daniel Candeias’ input has been impressive and he has largely gone unheralded throughout a decent campaign.

How much of a part both of them have to play will depend on Gerrard’s setup but it is fair to say that Michael O’Halloran, Joe Dodoo and Dalcio, on loan from Benfica this term, won’t be needed.

Creating chances hasn’t necessarily been an issue for Rangers but converting them certainly has. That can’t continue and Gerrard must find the right formula in the final third.