Michael Beale hopes Rangers fans will be excited by his first January deals after refusing to rule out swoops for English duo Tom Davies and Todd Cantwell.

Beale confirmed on Friday that he was on the verge of completing moves to bolster his squad following positive discussions with unnamed targets in recent days.

Everton midfielder Davies and Cantwell, who plays for Norwich City, have both been touted for switches across the border and Beale remains keen to get deals over the line as soon as possible.

The Englishman didn’t confirm his interest in either player following the 2-0 victory over Dundee United on Sunday but Beale spoke highly of Davies and Cantwell and expressed his belief that supporters will buy into the first stages of his Ibrox overhaul.

Beale said: “No names but I think they are both good players to be fair. Todd was an excellent player when he was young and playing against my Liverpool Under 23s.

“I thought he would go on and have a fantastic career. He had that at the start and he is maybe just looking for a move to re-ingite it but I think he is a fantastic player at a good age. 

“And Tom Davies, he used to kick my Liverpool Under 23s team all around the place. There’s a bit of John Lundstram about him. But again, two really good players.

“Not confirming anything with those two. But there’s a lot of players we are speaking to at the moment. 

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“I have to be excited about working with someone and the journey they are going on. I have to feel that they are someone who can come to Ibrox in front of 52,000 and really will grow and not shrink.

“That is the biggest question I have when I sit in front of a player – are they going to shrink at Ibrox or grow. We need growers and people who are going to come in in the next two or three years and help us win trophies and do well in Europe.

“That is the most important thing now. If I was to rush it and get it wrong, you’ll all condemn me. I hope you will be excited as I am about the two or three additions we are hoping to do.”

Rangers remain nine points adrift of Celtic in the Premiership title race after second half goals from Fashion Sakala and Malik Tillman were enough to earn them victory at Tannadice.

Beale will now turn his attentions to the League Cup semi-final with Aberdeen after extending his unbeaten run as boss to six matches and taking another step in the right direction with a positive second half showing.

Kemar Roofe made his return to action late on against United and the Auchenhowie treatment room is beginning to clear as Beale sees his options bolsters and seeks to add further quality to his starting line-up with moves in the transfer market.

“I don’t know to be honest with you,” Beale said when asked if any deals would be done before the Aberdeen fixture. “I would like to think we will continue with the negotiations.

“Since I spoke to you the other day there are even more who have come to the table but there is nothing concrete just yet. 

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“If Kemar Roofe stays fit that’s one I would like to add already inside and John Souttar will be available this month. You will see Ianis Hagi this month. They will feel like new signings.

“I know the fans and myself. We would like to have new faces in the building. I want to add competition.

“That’s really what I want to add. It will add competition. The training level has gone up every week since I have been here.

“I think one or two players maybe coming in from Premier League clubs or clubs around Europe with a real good profile that will certainly help us. I want to turn the dial up in the building.”