Rangers were one of the Scottish Premiership's biggest summer spenders, securing a number of big-money signings. The Ibrox side recruited Sam Lammers, Cyriel Dessers, Danilo and others, but the large sum of cash spent hasn't translated to immediate success.
The Light Blues have struggled to make inroads on Celtic's lead at the top of the table, despite going 12 games unbeaten under Belgian boss Philippe Clement. Saturday's 3-1 league win over Dundee closed the gap to five points, but the Hoops can restore their eight-point cushion when they head to Kilmarnock on Sunday.
Pressure remains on Clement to deliver silverware with the Viaplay Cup Final against Aberdeen taking place at Hampden Park next weekend. European football is also guaranteed after Christmas but Clement will want that to be in the second-tier UEFA Europa League rather than the Conference League.
Clement - yet to taste defeat in the Gers hot seat - admitted he is ready to tackle the mid-season transfer window after getting his feet under the table in Govan. And he will look to address the "balance" of his first-team squad, insisting he has too many players in certain positions and not enough in other key areas.
It is understood a new left-back features high on the agenda, with Borna Barisic and Ridvan Yilmaz sharing the responsibility on the left side of defence. 31-year-old Barisic is out of contract in the summer, while injury-prone Yilmaz has struggled for consistency. It's believed Clement could use his scouting network in Belgium, Holland and France to source a potential loan deal.
Another attacking option is also rumoured to be on Clement's wish list with Dessers, Lammers and Danilo lacking form and captain James Tavernier again leading the club's scoring charts across all competitions. Prolific marksman Lawrence Shankland seems to be the name on every supporters' lips, but Clement has played down a move for the Hearts striking ace.
With that in mind, we take a look at the possible Rangers starting XI after the January window if the latest rumours prove true:
1. GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - NOVEMBER 09: Rangers players applaud the fans at full time during a UEFA Europa League group stage match between Rangers and Sparta Prague, at Ibrox Stadium, on November 09, 2023, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group)
Here's how Rangers could line up after the January transfer window
2. GK - Jack Butland
A mainstay between the posts and that's highly unlikely to change heading into the New Year. A brilliant summer capture
3. RB - James Tavernier
Captain fantastic continues to churn out performance after performance. His fitness levels are outstanding and he's seemingly undroppable.
4. RCB - Connor Goldson
The Englishman is a key organiser of the Gers defence, he makes them tick. Such an important and commanding presence