There are several ways to leapfrog title rivals in the summer transfer window, and Rangers picked the most ruthless option by signing Lawrence Shankland.

The Gers didn't even allow Hearts the chance to gather their thoughts after missing out on the title in dramatic fashion on the final day.

They swooped in and compiled Hearts' misery, but they're not done yet. In fact, it looks as though Rangers' transfer business is only just getting started.

How Shankland will transform Rangers' frontline

The last time that Rangers had a consistent goalscorer was Alfredo Morelos and reliable is certainly a strong word for the South American.

He was undoubtedly talented, but his place as one of the most unpredictable players in the Scottish Premiership so often clouded that talent.

Last season, the closest player to a consistent goalscorer at Ibrox was Youssef Chermiti. To his credit, the former Everton man proved to be the man for the big occasion, scoring seven goals in seven games against Celtic and Hearts in the Scottish Premiership.

Beyond that, however, he wasn't consistent enough - scoring just four more goals in all competitions.

So it should have come as no shock when Shankland arrived. Forgetting the surprise that he was the Hearts captain, this is a forward who scored 20 goals in all competitions last season, with three of them coming after the split.

It was an absolutely clinical campaign from the 30-year-old, who has added know-how to his quality just in time to go again in the title race next season, potentially alongside another familiar name.

Rangers have already held talks to sign another SPFL star

Rangers spent most of last summer completing their shopping in the EFL, which handed them some incredibly mixed results.

12 months later, they're not making the same mistake. Ibrox has been crying out for Scottish Premiership stars. Shankland ticks that box and so does Luke Graham. Like the striker, he's been making waves at the top of the game in Scotland.

Earlier reports from Rangers review revealed that Rangers have already held talks to sign Graham from Dundee this summer. The central defender is one to watch and the Gers have been in touch with his representatives.

Whilst much of the focus has been on improving Danny Rohl's attack so far this summer, it should be no shock that Graham is also on their radar. After all, just two sides conceded more than the Gers in the top six last season. If they're playing the blame game for missing out on the title, then there's a clear winner.

In terms of profile, if the idea is to find the perfect partner for the impressive Emmanuel Fernandez, then Graham is certainly a good option. He's more aggressive than the Rangers man, and would have his own weakness in possession covered when standing alongside him.

At 22 years old, that work in possession will also arrive under a manager like Rohl. Add that to his game, and Graham has all the tools to become an elite defender in the Scottish Premiership.

Recent praise has reflected that potential. Dundee boss Steven Pressley told reporters back in April: "I have a strong relationship with Luke and he is a player that is showing incredible personality for one so young.

"He has had to deal with this speculation now for a number of months and the argument hasn't been has it affected him - he has grown during this period, he has got better and better. His performance at the weekend was outstanding again."

All signs are pointing towards one of the best central defenders that Scotland has to offer. Whether he'll be playing at Ibrox next season remains to be seen, however.

Either way, repeating their Shankland trick to bring another of the division's best players to Ibrox wouldn't go amiss.