Rangers are preparing for what promises to be one of the most important transfer windows in recent years as Derek McInnes continues his rebuild at Ibrox. Following his appointment as manager, the former Aberdeen and Hearts boss has wasted little time identifying targets capable of strengthening his squad ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
The Light Blues have already made headlines by securing the signature of Lawrence Shankland, bringing one of Scotland’s most proven goalscorers to Glasgow. However, Rangers’ recruitment plans are far from complete, with the club actively exploring additional options to improve their attacking department.
Among the names linked with a move to Ibrox are Motherwell winger Elijah Just and Tottenham Hotspur wonderkid Mikey Moore. While both players have impressed over the past season, reports suggest Rangers are prioritising a move for Moore, who is widely regarded as one of England’s most exciting young talents.
The teenager enjoyed a productive loan spell in Scotland last season and appears keen on returning to Glasgow. With Tottenham expected to make a decision on his future in the coming days, Rangers are now pushing hard to secure what could become one of the biggest deals of their summer.
The arrival of Derek McInnes has brought renewed optimism to Rangers supporters.
The new manager understands the expectations that come with leading one of Scotland’s biggest clubs. Winning trophies, competing in Europe, and challenging Celtic for domestic supremacy remain non-negotiable objectives.
To achieve those goals, McInnes knows he must strengthen key areas of his squad.
While Rangers possess quality throughout the team, there is a clear desire to add more creativity, pace, and goals in attacking positions. The manager wants players capable of making a difference in big matches and providing consistent output over the course of a demanding season.
The signing of Lawrence Shankland represented an important first step.
Having worked with McInnes previously, Shankland arrives with a clear understanding of the manager’s methods and expectations. His proven goalscoring record in Scottish football makes him an exciting addition to the squad.
However, Rangers are not stopping there.
The club’s recruitment team continues to search for players capable of elevating the overall quality of the attack, and two names have emerged as leading candidates.
One player attracting significant interest is Motherwell winger Elijah Just.
The New Zealand international enjoyed an impressive campaign in the Scottish Premiership, establishing himself as one of the league’s most dangerous attacking players.
Operating primarily from the right wing, Just combined pace, technical ability, and direct running to cause problems for defenders throughout the season.
His numbers tell an encouraging story.
The winger scored seven league goals while also contributing seven assists, demonstrating an ability to both finish chances and create opportunities for teammates.
Those performances naturally attracted attention from bigger clubs.
Rangers are reportedly monitoring his situation closely, while Celtic have also been linked with a move for the attacker. The possibility of Scotland’s two biggest clubs battling for his signature highlights the reputation he has built through his performances.
Just further enhanced his profile during the World Cup, where he impressed while representing New Zealand on the international stage.
Scoring twice against Iran, he showed that he could perform under pressure and against quality opposition.
At 26 years old, he is entering the prime years of his career and could potentially offer immediate impact to any team that signs him.
Despite their admiration for Just, Rangers appear equally focused on another exciting target.
According to reports, the club are making a major effort to bring Mikey Moore back to Ibrox for a second loan spell from Tottenham Hotspur.
The England Under-20 international spent last season in Glasgow and gradually developed into one of Rangers’ most influential attacking players.
His journey was not entirely straightforward.
During the early stages of the campaign, opportunities were limited, and adapting to Scottish football proved challenging. However, as the season progressed, Moore began to flourish.
His confidence grew with every appearance.
The winger became increasingly dangerous in one-on-one situations, started contributing goals, and developed a stronger understanding of what was required to succeed in the Scottish Premiership.
By the second half of the season, he had become a key figure in Rangers’ attack.
Most notably, he produced memorable performances against Celtic, scoring in two Old Firm matches and demonstrating an ability to deliver on the biggest stage.
Those displays ensured he quickly became a fan favourite.
Tottenham face an important decision regarding Moore’s development.
The young attacker remains one of the most highly-rated prospects in their academy system, and the Premier League side are eager to ensure he continues progressing at the right pace.
Reports suggest Spurs are expected to finalise their plans within the next week.
Several clubs are believed to be monitoring the situation, but Rangers are hopeful their existing relationship with the player could provide a crucial advantage.
The teenager reportedly enjoyed his time in Glasgow and believes another season at Ibrox would benefit his development.
That willingness to return could prove significant.
Young players often perform best when they feel comfortable in their environment, and Moore already understands the demands of Scottish football.
Rather than adapting to a new club, he could immediately focus on building upon the progress he made during his previous spell.
There are several reasons why Rangers remain determined to bring Moore back.
Firstly, he possesses exceptional technical quality.
His close control, dribbling ability, and intelligence in possession allow him to influence games in a variety of ways. Whether operating on the wing or in more central areas, he consistently looks capable of creating opportunities.
Secondly, his age makes him an incredibly exciting prospect.
At just 18 years old, Moore is still years away from reaching his peak.
Many players are only beginning to establish themselves professionally at that age, yet Moore has already gained valuable experience at senior level while performing for one of the biggest clubs in Scotland.
The ceiling for his development remains extremely high.
Former Tottenham defender Gary Mabbutt once described him as a “future superstar,” and many within English football share that assessment.
His performances at youth level support those claims.
Before making the transition to senior football, Moore produced extraordinary numbers for Tottenham’s academy sides.
He scored 19 goals and registered 13 assists in just 24 matches for the club’s Under-18 team.
Such statistics highlight his natural ability to influence matches in the final third.
Comparisons between Moore and Elijah Just are inevitable given Rangers’ reported interest in both players.
Looking purely at last season’s Premiership statistics, the pair produced remarkably similar numbers.
Moore scored seven league goals despite making fewer starts than Just. The Motherwell winger also scored seven goals while contributing seven assists.
On the surface, there appears little difference.
However, context is important.
Just is already 26 years old and currently in his prime years. While he remains a talented player, his overall career numbers suggest he has largely reached his current level.
Moore, on the other hand, is only 18.
The fact that he matched Just’s goal output while still developing illustrates why so many observers view him as the bigger long-term talent.
His potential trajectory is significantly higher.
If he continues improving at his current rate, there is every chance he could become one of the standout players in Scottish football.
During his impressive spell at Rangers, discussions surrounding Moore’s future became increasingly ambitious.
Some observers even suggested that the teenager could eventually be worth as much as £40 million if his development continues.
While such valuations can often be speculative, they underline the excitement surrounding his potential.
Modern football places enormous value on young attacking players capable of scoring and creating goals.
Clubs across Europe are willing to invest heavily in players who demonstrate elite talent at a young age.
Moore fits that profile.
His technical ability, confidence, and productivity have already attracted attention, and another strong season could elevate his reputation even further.
For Rangers, securing his services would represent a major coup.
Even if the deal is only a loan move, the impact he could have on the team’s attacking play would be substantial.
A second loan spell could benefit all parties involved.
For Rangers, it would bring back a player already familiar with the club, the league, and the expectations of supporters.
For Moore, it would provide another year of regular first-team football in a competitive environment.
And for Tottenham, it would ensure one of their most promising prospects continues developing through meaningful minutes at senior level.
Consistency is often crucial for young players.
Rather than starting again elsewhere, Moore could build upon the foundations established during his first season in Scotland.
That continuity could accelerate his growth and help him reach another level.
As Rangers prepare for the new campaign, recruitment remains a top priority.
McInnes is determined to assemble a squad capable of challenging on multiple fronts.
The addition of Shankland has strengthened the centre-forward position, but more creativity and attacking depth are required.
Both Elijah Just and Mikey Moore would improve the squad.
However, if Rangers are forced to prioritise one target, Moore appears to offer the greater long-term upside.
His age, talent, and potential make him one of the most exciting young players available this summer.
Supporters will now wait anxiously for Tottenham’s decision.
Should Rangers succeed in bringing Moore back to Ibrox, it would represent a major statement of intent from the club and provide Derek McInnes with another dangerous weapon in his quest to return Rangers to the top of Scottish football.
With the transfer window gathering momentum, the coming weeks could prove decisive. One thing is certain: Rangers are determined to strengthen their attack, and Mikey Moore remains firmly at the centre of their plans.
