OPINION
After a season in which they have run Celtic the closest anyone has in years, Rangers face a crucial summer transfer window as they look to cement their resurgence to the top of Scottish football.
It is not yet known who will be in charge next season, with many wanting current incumbent Graeme Murty to stay, while others call for the club to show ambition and move for someone with more experience.
Whatever happens, director of football Mark Allen will remain in place, overlooking transfers and making sure that the club are on the right track with recruitment.
Allen will have a big summer on his hands as he oversees Rangers’ transfer window, and there is one man available on a free transfer that he must plot a swoop for.
Burnley midfielder Scott Arfield is approaching the end of his contract at Turf Moor, and the Livingston-born Premier League star is on the lookout for his next move.
As reported by the Daily Record, Rangers were linked with a move for Arfield in the January transfer window, and they must reignite that interest come the summer.
The 29-year-old has vast experience in Scotland making 108 Premiership appearances during his time at Falkirk as a youngster, and his family connections with Ibrox make a move to Govan a possibility.
Before Burnley played a friendly against Rangers in 2015, as quoted by the club’s official website, Arfield said: “I’m buzzing to go back and play at Ibrox. My phone went off the hook as soon as the game got announced. There are a lot of my mates and family members who are Rangers fans and it’s one of the pre-season highlights for me.”
The Canada international has made 86 appearances in the Premier League during his time at Turf Moor, and with his contract coming to an end, Rangers must swoop to secure that experience for next season.
Allen must recognise the opportunity on hand here to secure Arfield, and is missing a trick if Rangers miss out on the 29-year-old.