RANGERS are in discussions to sign Croatian defender Nikola Katic as Steven Gerrard continues his squad rebuild this summer.

The Light Blues have completed four deals already ahead of the new campaign as Scott Arfield, Allan McGregor, Jamie Murphy and Ovie Ejaria have signed on the dotted line.

A move for Connor Goldson is set to be announced this week and the Gers have now turned their attentions to Slaven Belupo stopper Katic as Gerrard looks to further strengthen his defensive line.

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Rangers face competition from Russian giants Spartak Moscow for the 21-year-old but have held positive talks as they attempt to strike a deal.

Those negotiations will continue in the coming days and Katic could become the sixth arrival of the close season at Ibrox.

The £2million-rated centre-half made his Croatia debut in the friendly win over Mexico last May and has now emerged as a key target for Rangers this summer.

Gerrard was keen to add to his defensive options ahead of the new campaign after Russell Martin returned to Norwich at the end of his loan deal and David Bates rejected a contract and clinched a move to Hamburg.

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There are still doubts over the futures of Portuguese pair Bruno Alves and Fabio Cardoso and Rangers are now looking to push through moves for Goldson and Katic as Gerrard overhauls his Light Blues ranks.

A fee of around £3million has been agreed with Brighton for Goldson and the 25-year-old is on the brink of completing his switch north of the border.

Gerrard will put his squad through their paces for the first time on Friday before Rangers head to Spain for a ten-day pre-season camp and step up their preparations for the Europa League qualifiers next month.