STEVEN GERRARD hopes Rangers will be able to move on his unwanted fringe players this summer as he targets just one more addition to his Ibrox squad.

The 39-year-old clinched his eighth signing of the window last week as Swedish international Filip Helander completed a £3million move from Bologna.

The likes of Gareth McAuley and Jordan Rossiter have already left the Gers during the close season but a handful more – including Kyle Lafferty and Eros Grezda – are surplus to requirements this term.

Gerrard said: “We’ve had a few inquiries about certain players. Obviously I’ve got to respect them so I can’t say too much about them.

“Whilst the window is open I predict there will be people going the other way.

“I think we’re nearly complete in terms of the squad we are trying to build in terms of incomings.

“I don’t think there will be much more activity there – maybe one, who knows. In terms of outgoings – yes.

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“It depends on what the players want. Players have got to want to go and play football.

“That’s their decision. I can’t really control whether they want to stay here or find themselves a different challenge. That’s up to the players.

“Yes [there is professional pride], but those lads are grown men and they’ll make their own decisions for their own careers.

“All I can do is be as honest and respectful as I can, give them as much time as possible and be honest with them in terms of where they stand.

“I’ve done that. Some respect that. Some are maybe not happy but that’s the tough decisions you have to make as a manager.”

It has been a productive summer overall so far for Rangers as Gerrard has added significant strength and depth to his squad ahead his second term at the helm.

And the Ibrox hierarchy have allowed him to make key moves in the transfer market before unloading his out of favour players that are picking up tens of thousands of pounds each week.

Gerrard said: “I think it is more an aspect for the board and Dave King. I can’t really control that side of it and my job is to build as strong a squad as possible to compete on the fronts that we are involved in. Of course, it will help.

“A lot of the players we have brought in have been on free contracts or loans. It is not as if we have gone and spent heavily to improve the squad.

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“We are very pleased with the business we have done. As I say, if we can maybe add one more I think the squad will be set and ready to push and challenge.”

An encouraging start to the campaign on and off the park has lead to belief growing amongst Rangers fans that Gerrard could take his side to Premiership glory this term.

But the Gers boss has dismissed comments from former Ibrox striker Andy Gray after he claimed Gerrard was ‘convinced’ his side would win the title following a conversation in the aftermath of the 4-0 victory over Marseille.

Gerrard said: “I’m not sure where that’s come from because I’ve never spoken to Andy Gray about winning the league. That’s never come out of my mouth.

“I had a conversation with Andy after the game about Qatar and the World Cup. We spoke about certain areas in Qatar for us to maybe try for a pre-season or winter break.

“Those were the only two topics on the conversation. I never spoke to Andy Gray about winning the league.

“I don’t think I’m naive enough to say anything like that to anyone.

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“What I will say if people bring up that topic up is that we are prepared to put up a fight and challenge.

“We are always respectful to other teams that we are up against and the situation up here over the last few years.

“I just don’t think there is any need before a ball is kicked to say something like that.

“I don’t know if Andy has been misquoted or the headline doesn’t suggest what’s said in the article but that’s none of my business.

“All I can say is I categorically deny that came out of my mouth.

“We are confident, we’ve got belief. We believe we’ve progressed and the squad is a lot stronger. We want to put up the best challenge we can and I’ll back my players.

“But I won’t be making any rash or bold or naïve comments before a ball is kicked. I don’t think it’s necessary.”