Rangers close in on first summer signing after Rohl confirmation

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Tom Weber | Writer

Multilingual sports writer who specialises in European football and American soccer.

Danny Rohl has confirmed that he will be Rangers' head coach next season, and he is now closing in on his first signing of the summer.

The 37-year-old has been the subject of some conflicting reporting, owing to the Ibrox club's late-season collapse that ultimately saw them finish third behind Celtic and Hearts.

The fact that Rangers ended their trophyless campaign with a whimper has given rise to claims that Rohl is potentially facing the sack, while reports from the continent have been much more complimentary of the job the German did getting Rangers into title-challenging shape in the first place.

Rohl is fielding interest from several clubs in the Bundesliga and around Europe. However, if it is up to him, he will be in charge of Rangers next season. He recently reiterated his commitment to the Gers in an interview with BILD.

"If you go by speculation, I would have already had 15 coaching positions," Rohl said. "My focus is here in Glasgow. I like the job because I can compete for titles here - and internationally as well. And that’s a very good opportunity that I really enjoy."

Rohl to stay - and reshape defence

Despite being separated from his family, Rohl is enjoying life in Scotland. “My wife and children stayed in Germany and visit me often," the Zwickau-native explained. "I have an apartment in the West End.

"Glasgow is really cool, I love it. There are lots of restaurants, the city is very young. I would compare Edinburgh and Glasgow to Dresden and Leipzig. One city is a bit more sophisticated and extremely cultural, the other hip and vibrant.”

Rohl confirmed that he does not have a release clause in his deal, meaning that he is set to stay at Ibrox unless he gets sacked - which is unlikely after he received a vote of confidence last week.

The 37-year-old is excited to see what he can achieve with the Gers after a full pre-season and summer transfer window. He has already confirmed that he is set to ring in the changes after this disappointing season.

He stated: "We need a personnel rebuild, but also more consistency. Many coaches have been here in recent years, each with their own philosophy, each trying to build a team. Now I'm here, and there's a clear roadmap.

"Together with the board, meaning the club's decision-makers and investors, we want to find the players who can help us. The goal isn't to create a one-hit wonder, but to win titles over two, three or four years. Perhaps that's why we have to go through this valley of tears again.

"I do think we're initiating a transformation," Rohl added. "But there are clear processes in place. I work closely with the club's technical director, CEO and performance director. When players become interesting to me, the board examines the feasibility of signing them - and ideally, decides and implements the move."

His first summer signing appears to already be waiting in the wings. Zalaegerszeg defender Akpe Victory was recently associated with a move to Glasgow, and TEAMtalk now claims that Rangers are making progress on a deal with the Hungarian side.

"Significant strides" are being made, with the player keen on the move to Ibrox. Rangers are well-placed to secure his signing despite interest from Benfica and clubs in other major European footballing nations. The deal is expected to cost north of €5 million.