DAVE KING insists the days of Rangers attracting top talents from England are ‘long gone’ as boss Mark Warburton looks to bolster his Ibrox ranks this summer.

But the Light Blues chairman believes Warburton must target stars capable of competing in European action to ensure Rangers continue on the road to recovery in years to come.

Five players – Matt Crooks, Josh Windass, Jordan Rossiter, Joey Barton and Clint Hill - have arrived in Glasgow so far this summer as the Gers prepare for their crack at the Premiership title next term.

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Boss Warburton remains in the market for more reinforcements but King, writing to fans in the first part of a question and answer initiative, knows expectations have to be kept realistic amongst supporters.The Herald: Rangers manager Mark Warburton

He said: “The first point I wish to make is that the present transfer policy will be consistent for the foreseeable future.

“Our transfer activity must support the need of the Rangers first-team squad to be capable of competing to win our domestic competitions every season and, in doing so, ensure participation in Europe.

“While it is unrealistic in the present “moneyed” world of European football to expect any club from the smaller countries to win either of the two major European trophies it is nevertheless important that we give a good account of ourselves when in Europe and not submit meekly at the first hurdle.

“It will therefore be necessary to acquire players with European experience in advance of our return to European competition.

“It is also essential that our transfer activities are conducted in a financially responsible manner. Long gone are the days when Rangers was able to attract top players from England and Europe (Terry Butcher, Richard Gough, Mark Hateley, Ray Wilkins, Graeme Souness, Paul Gascoigne, Brian Laudrup etc.) by paying more than they were earning.”