Derek McInnes to hold Rangers transfer talks after ‘one big signing' already made

Derek McInnes will have his say in Rangers' transfer plans this summer after being appointed as a manager rather than a head coach.

The 54-year-old guided Hearts to second place in the Premiership last season, as they led the way ahead of Rangers and Celtic for the majority of the campaign.

He had long been touted to return to Rangers, after growing up as a fan of the club and playing for them between 1995 and 2000.

They moved to appoint him as their new boss earlier this week after Danny Rohl was approached by Red Bull Salzburg.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Rangers' summer plans will not change drastically, but McInnes will have his say on all of their signings after being given the title of 'manager.'

His star striker from last term, Lawrence Shankland, has already moved to Ibrox on a free transfer.

McInnes oversaw an impressive window at Hearts last summer and will hope to do the same at Rangers so they close the gap on Celtic next season.

The new Gers boss has several key decisions to make this summer, with numerous players set to leave Rangers following their difficult campaign under Rohl.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "I don't think they'll have a massive change in their plans (because McInnes has been hired). Obviously, McInnes will have an opinion and input into what Rangers are going to do in this summer's transfer window.

"He'll be pretty happy that he'll be reunited with Lawrence Shankland at Ibrox, with the pair having enjoyed really good times together at Hearts, so that's one big signing already made for Rangers."

Cerny impressed on loan at Rangers from Wolfsburg during the 2024-25 campaign, with 18 goals and nine assists in 52 appearances for the club.

He returned to Wolfsburg last summer and was signed permanently by Besiktas, as he registered seven goals and eight assists in 34 games.

The 28-year-old could be on the move again soon, with sources revealing to Football Insider that Rangers could look to re-sign Cerny if the chance to do so for a small fee arises.

Besiktas are set to hold out for at least £6million, which is what they paid for his services, but could lower their demands as the summer progresses.