The Rangers hunt for additional fire power this summer has dominated the transfer headlines.
The Gers have been unable to sign a new frontman to date despite the club’s well-publicised toils in front of goal last season.
Perennially injured Kemar Roofe leaves with a handshake at the end of his Rangers career, whilst Brazilian striker Danilo continues to work his way back from a devastating knee injury.
Cyriel Dessers – who bore the brunt of the club’s goalscoring responsibilities last season – has also been linked with a move to Greece.
Throw in doubts surrounding the future of Brighton loanee Abdallah Sima and suddenly goals are in short supply in Govan.
But news of one relegated Premier League’s side latest release will turn a few heads amongst Rangers fans we’re sure.
McBurnie released from Sheffield United
Rangers daft Oliver McBurnie has made no bones about where his club loyalties lie.
The Scotland international striker, 28, also made no friends in some sections of the Tartan Army with his public support of the blue side of Glasgow.
But the last few seasons have been quite literally up and down for the lanky striker, who cost Sheffield United a money-spinning £20m when he signed from Swansea in 2019.
McBurnie finds himself out of the Scotland squad with his return of six Premier League goals last season not enough to salvage Sheffield United’s top flight status.
Now at the end of a five-year stint at Bramall Lane, where Oliver McBurnie scored 29 times in 159 games, the Blades have announced the 6ft2 hitman’s departure from the club.
£20m striker ‘hopes’ to play for Rangers
As we’ve explained, goals are in disastrously short supply at Rangers at the moment.
With the new season set to be upon us in quickfire fashion, Moroccan striker Hamza Igamane looks set to join the club but there are doubts over an appearance at the Olympics.
Other names linked include the likes of Albion Rrahmani but as things stand Rangers are short and need reinforcements.
Step forward Oliver McBurnie.
The Scotland international hitman has told the Stomping Ground podcast only a couple of months ago that he one day ‘hopes’ to play for ‘special’ Rangers.
“Listen, Rangers is a special club,” said McBurnie.
“Have you ever been to the Old Firm? I’ve been to plenty of Old Firms and I’ve never experienced a game like it, either playing or watching.
“Most people who have ever been to them will say the same.
“Growing up, I was always a big Rangers fan and it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. It’s just about timing.
“I hope one day, by the end of my career, I play for Rangers. I hope I get to experience that side of it.
“If I don’t, I don’t. But I hope by the end of my career I can say I’ve played in an Old Firm at one point.”
Now we’re not convinced on the Sheffield United striker but Philippe Clement has said that he’s looking for experience to join the Ibrox dressing room.
This comes after a spate of signings which have focused on young talents with high ceilings.
Oliver McBurnie might not be the most glamorous option but – a la Kyle Lafferty – a technically sound, lanky striker who loves the Bears? We can be convinced.
It’s a move which would also annoy all the right people north of the border.
