Steven Gerrard doesn’t officially take charge of Rangers until July 1 but the Scottish giants’ new manager has still been working tirelessly since his appointment was confirmed earlier this month.

The Liverpool legend, who signed a four-year contract with the Gers on May 4, has already struck deals for two players as he gets his new squad ready for the 2018-19 campaign.

Canadian midfielder Scott Arfield became Gerrard’s first signing earlier this week, penning a four-year deal after leaving Burnley, while Scotland goalkeeper Allan McGregor has returned to Ibrox after a six-year spell away from the club.

Gerrard, however, is nowhere near finished yet.

He is acutely aware of the need to overhaul the current squad if Rangers are to close the gap on fierce rivals Celtic, who have won the last seven Scottish Premier League titles.

Subsequently, we can expect many more ins and outs before next season gets underway.

And according to an exclusive report in the Daily Record, Gerrard has now identified two high-profile Premier League forwards to lead the line at Ibrox.

Gerrard wants to sign Defoe

The first player that Gerrard wants is Bournemouth striker Jermain Defoe, who turns 36 in October but still knows how to find the back of the net.

Gerrard knows Defoe well from their time playing together with England and is hopeful of landing the livewire striker on a loan deal, even though he has two years left to run on his £80,000-a-week contract at the Vitality Stadium.

Signing Defoe would certainly be a major statement of intent from Gerrard, who clearly feels the veteran forward would have no trouble scoring goals in the Scottish top flight.

Bournemouth, however, are confident that Defoe will opt to stay with them, despite the fact he has only managed to net four goals in 26 appearances this season.

And he also wants Solanke

The other forward that Gerrard plans to sign on loan over the coming weeks is Liverpool’s Dominic Solanke.

The 20-year-old has endured a difficult first season at Anfield, scoring a pitiful one goal in 27 appearances, and Gerrard hopes that Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp will allow the England international to move to Ibrox in order to further his development.

Sources on Merseyside believe Gerrard’s close relationship with Klopp will enhance Rangers’ chances of making this a done deal.

The opportunity to play week-in, week-out and boost his confidence by scoring goals north of the border may appeal to Solanke.

It’s understood that Gerrard’s former teammates Lucas Leiva and Martin Skrtel are also on his summer wish-list.

Would Jermain Defoe and Dominic Solanke help Rangers close the gap on Celtic? Let us know by leaving a comment below.