The departure of James Tavernier has thrown up an interesting question for Glasgow Rangers boss Derek McInnes - who will replace the Englishman as the Ibrox side's new permanent skipper?

The Gers have already seen experienced stopper, Jack Butland, depart for Hull City, while it remains to be seen if John Souttar will be a consistent figure in the starting lineup, having only seen his deal extended until next summer.

It might well be that McInnes looks to his batch of new signings instead, with a string of leaders already entering the building, having plucked Hearts skipper Lawrence Shankland from Tynecastle, while also bringing in former Sunderland club captain Dan Neil on a free transfer.

The man who wears the armband at Bologna, Lewis Ferguson, might well be the next player to continue that trend of experienced arrivals in Glasgow, although the Scotland star isn't the only midfielder on the agenda.

Rangers look set to finalise sixth signing this week

A new-look side is being built at Ibrox, and it's happening in double-quick time, with five signings already made following a disappointing end to 2025/26 under Danny Rohl.

Exits do appear to be on the cards too, with Nicolas Raskin potentially set to be the most high-profile departure, not least after bolstering his reputation at the World Cup with Belgium.

There have been whispers that the 25-year-old could be involved in something of an exchange involving the aforementioned Ferguson, although there are still doubts over the likelihood of the former Aberdeen man actually sealing a return to the Premiership.

One deal that does appear to be more realistic, however, is Rangers' pursuit of Partizan Belgrade starlet, Vanja Dragojevic, with Ibrox News outlining that such a move could be nearing completion.

Indeed, the suggestion is that the 20-year-old's switch could be finalised this week if all goes to plan, with the Serbian emerging as a 'concrete target' for the Light Blues.

The Old Firm outfit have already lodged a bid of around £3.9m, although Partizan are hoping for an increased figure that includes add-ons, believed to be around £5m.

Why Dragojevic could be just like Ferguson for Rangers

As a player who was once on the books at Ibrox as a teenager, having also worked under McInnes at Pittodrie, the desire to bring Ferguson into the fold is no real surprise.

A man with Premiership experience - having made 169 appearances for the Dons - the 26-year-old has also gone on to even greater heights in Italy, helping to steer Bologna to Champions League qualification, while also captaining the club to Coppa Italia glory in 2025.

Named Serie A's best midfielder in 2023/24, Ferguson showed his class again at this summer's World Cup, proving a real shining light in a disappointing group stage run for Steven Clarke's men.

He's a real all-rounder, arguably the complete package, with this the type of signing that could truly elevate Rangers next season.

Alas, if the finances prove too great an obstacle, then Dragojevic might well be the perfect alternative, the youngster representing another rising midfield star for McInnes to build his side around.

Like Ferguson in Bologna, Dragojevic is the captain at Partizan despite his relative youth, ensuring he too could also follow the theme of 'leaders' joining the Glasgow side this summer.

Twice capped by Serbia, the in-demand number six is fresh off a fine season in his homeland, having made 35 league appearances in 2025/26, scoring and assisting seven goals from his deep-lying midfield berth.

He also created two 'big chances' and enjoyed an average of 0.7 key passes per game, seemingly always looking to progress play when suitable.

That certainly mirrors Ferguson at his best, with the Scot enjoying a similar record in that standout 2023/24 season in Serie A, scoring and assisting nine goals, while creating two 'big chances' and averaging one key pass per game.

Both composed, cultured players in possession, Dragojevic lost the ball just 8.3 times per outing last time out, a slightly superior record to Ferguson's 8.6 average in 2023/24.

It's also worth noting what they offer off the ball, with the young Serb averaging 2.3 tackles and interceptions, as well as 4.3 ball recoveries, having been hailed by scout Antonio Mango as a "tenacious and physically strong ball-winner."

Again, that record isn't too dissimilar to what Ferguson offers, the Hamilton-born playmaker averaging 1.7 and 4.6 for those same two metrics, respectively.

Those similarities certainly bode well for the impact that Dragojevic can make in a Rangers shirt next season, and at a time when McInnes and co are seeking leaders alongside those with potential resale value, the 20-year-old looks like the best of both worlds.