The spotlight has been turned on Rangers’ attacking options recently as Michael Beale transitions the team into his vision over summer. 

It’s the area of the pitch that will likely see the most change with the requirement for improvement enhanced by two high-profile departures in Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent. 

While Beale has adopted a number of different formations, the deployment of split-strikers was prominent throughout the second half of the season. 

Rangers regularly played with two wide No.9s supported by a No.10 and there are a number of reasons why Beale prefers this approach.

It’s well-documented that Beale’s targeted hybrid players, who can perform a number of roles and that allows fluidity in the final third.

This creates uncertainty in opposition defences and Rangers are likely to adopt a similar tactic next season - a fact that will shape recruitment in this window. 

After Morelos departed, Rangers were left with three senior options at centre-forward in Kemar Roofe, Fashion Sakala and Colak.

It was abundantly clear that the club needed to strengthen as few would argue that any of that trio will be a guaranteed starter next season. 

While frustratingly unpredictable, Sakala’s attacking output under Beale showed promise and he’s fairly well-suited to playing as a wider No.9 with his pace a major asset.

He provides a useful squad option and is unlikely to depart this summer unless an appealing bid arrives. 

Injuries are the biggest concern in regards to Roofe, but Beale is a known admirer and it’s difficult to envisage a move away due to those issues, especially while he's on a good wage.

READ MORE: How Michael Beale has evolved Rangers' striking options 

It’s Colak’s future that remains the most uncertain.

The Croatian’s goal return was hugely impressive with 18 in 39 appearances across 2218 minutes. He is an excellent finisher but questions persist over how well-suited he is to Beale’s requirements.

The 29-year-old is an archetypal No.9. As the graphic below shows, all of his league goals last season came within the penalty box. 

 

It's understood that interest has emerged in the striker with German club Werder Bremen exploring a bid, while other clubs on the continent are monitoring his situation.

Speculation that Colak could leave this summer was fueled by changing agents but Beale implied that he still had a future at Ibrox speaking in late May.

“For Antonio’s first season at Rangers, in terms of starts, his goal return is fantastic. The reality is since November he has had an on-off time with injuries," he said. 

“When I came in he was injured but he came back and played a few games, he scored two goals against Hibs and he was fantastic.

“He played up front with Fashion Sakala and that night was as good as we have played under me. Ryan Kent played behind Todd Cantwell, so I have no issue with Antonio’s style.

“He has just not had an opportunity to get a run of games. Alfredo has been injured, so has Antonio, so we have had to play the striker who is fit rather than picking.

“Moving forward there will be competition coming into the squad and Tony will fight it out with those guys.

“His goalscoring record gives me optimism. If he has a good pre-season and comes out of it, then I will get the Antonio Colak we had in August and September.

“Does he have a future? Yeah. He will have to take on the challenge like everyone else. I want to drive competition in the squad and he won’t shy away from it and he backs himself.

“If someone doesn’t want competition then they aren’t at the right club moving forward.”

When it comes to judging a striker's performance, the first thing people will look at is goals.

The biggest concern over the signing of Sam Lammers is his goalscoring record of late and that’s stark in contrast to Colak.

The two are completely different profiles of players and Lammers’ arrival highlights Beale’s preference for a more versatile and dynamic striker - given he can also play in the No.10 role.

Rangers will sign at least one other striker during this window and they could feasibly make two additions with a number of targets being monitored. 

While the focus has been on arrivals in recent weeks, the Ibrox side will look to offload players to balance the books and Colak remains a possible departure. 

It will not, however, be a priority as he remains an extremely effective goalscorer but doubts over his suitability to play as a wide No.9 are legitimate.