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Pedro Caixinha has accelerated his recruitment plans for Rangers in light of their horror shows against Celtic.

It’s understood the Ibrox boss has delivered a list of up to 12 signing targets for the summer to the Light Blues’ board. They will back the overhaul of his squad, which has become even more pressing in light of their pitiful showing against their arch rivals in the league and Scottish Cup semi-final.

Caixinha is desperate to bolster the spine of his side and add a couple of enforcers in defence and the middle of the park.

(Image: John Clifton)

Rangers have already tabled offers for up to three of the players identified by their new manager, who is hopeful of having a clutch of new stars to work with when his squad returns to pre-season in early June.

Rangers need a point from their final four Premiership fixtures to clinch a spot for next season’s Europa League qualifiers and must hit the ground running, with their first match in Europe on June 29.

Caixinha will cast his recruitment net around the world but his list of targets also includes players from the Scottish and English game, as well as Europe.

He has already sanctioned a new deal for Kenny Miller and is convinced he can improve the lot of several of his current group. But he also admits they need reinforced with greater quality.

(Image: SNS Group)

Caixinha said: “We need to make a lot of changes. We are very keen to reduce the difference. It is totally evident but it is possible to bridge the gap and everyone is working hard towards it.

“We need to do it and we need to be humble too. You need to recognise the size of the gap but I do believe we can reduce it.”

Caixinha has finally revealed his players will get two weeks off – days after insisting it was a private matter. He said: “I will give two weeks of vacation to the squad, from May 22 to June 4. I cannot give any more.

“If we had to go to the Scottish Cup Final it would be shorter still, just a week, but we did not.”