STEVEN GERRARD is determined to continue planning for the future at Ibrox as he seeks to evolve and improve his Rangers squad in the coming months.

The Gers boss received a double boost on Monday as Scott Wright signed a pre-contract deal to move from Aberdeen and defender Nathan Patterson agreed a new contract until the summer of 2024.

Gerrard has also identified Bournemouth duo Jack Simpson and Nnamdi Ofoborh as targets to join Rangers at the end of the campaign and he is pleased to be planning for the long term at Ibrox.

Gerrard said: "A big part of my role is trying to protect the future of the club, trying to improve the group in whatever area we feel needs improved.

"It’s very much a case of staying in the now at the moment in terms of the challenges that are coming thick and fast.

"But we obviously have to try and be prepared, get ahead of the game and always try and protect the future of the club. To get those two lifts boosts on Monday was fantastic.

"In terms of Scott, he is a really exciting player and we are looking forward to welcoming him in the summer with open arms.

"We are really looking forward to working with him. We think he is a big talent who still has loads more to come."

Bournemouth boss Jason Tindall insisted this week that nothing had been signed yet in relation to Simpson and Ofoborh as they get set to leave the Cherries at the end of their contracts this summer.

But Rangers could still look to strike a deal that will bring Wright on board sooner rather than later if an agreement can be reached with Aberdeen before the deadline on Monday.

Gerrard said: "In terms of Scott, obviously Aberdeen control that situation. He is their player from now until the end of the season.

"Where that stands right now is that we expect to see Scott in the summer. If that changes in the coming days or the last part of the window, it will be Aberdeen who obviously have to try and change that situation not us.

"There is nothing else really to say in terms of ins and outs. Obviously Glenn Middleton has gone out on loan and been given a fantastic opportunity by St Johnstone to again have a loan at this level.

"We want him to go out and grab it with both hands and really earn a place in that team and prove he can play at this level consistently.

"In terms of the other situations, all I can say is watch this space. We are trying to develop other situations but I don’t want to mention any names as of yet."