Rangers eye striker after Nedeljkovic joins from Villa

Right-back Kosta Nedeljkovic has joined Rangers on a season-long loan from Aston Villa, with manager Derek McInnes now setting his sights on signing a striker.

The Ibrox club hold a "conditional obligation" to buy the 20-year-old Serbian defender, who moved to Villa from Red Star Belgrade in summer 2024 and has since had two successive loan spells with RB Leipzig.

"Kosta is an athletic and energetic full-back who is keen to get forward, but he also has a real desire to defend and compete, and he will further strengthen a key area for us," McInnes told club media.

"He has already gained some valuable experience at a high level in England and Germany, as well as representing Serbia internationally."

McInnes says that - and the signing of James Penrice - addresses a lack of depth in the full-back areas and that the attack is now the focus.

"We still have work to do towards the top end of the pitch, clearly," he said. "They're the toughest ones at times to get, but if we can get the right ones, it'll change the whole dynamic of the team.

"We're poring over different options and different strikers, and so we're hoping we can land on the one that we want, and hopefully we can bring them here quickly."

Nedeljkovic made just six appearances for RB Leipzig last season, with knee and back injuries limiting his availability. Prior to his move to Germany, he made 10 outings for Villa across all competitions.

He is the 11th summer arrival at Rangers and will link up with international team-mate Vanja Dragojevic.

Midfielder Dragojevic is one of three players to be deployed at right-back already this season, along with Dujon Sterling and Ross McCrorie.

"Rangers is such a big club, a big family, and I am excited to join and help the team have success together," said Nedeljkovic.

"For me, it was an easy decision after meeting with the coach; I only wanted Rangers. It is a big opportunity and a big responsibility. I always try to be positive and work hard."