Roux shocked at Boumsong move

Rangers beat off a host of top clubs across Europe including Liverpool, Barcelona, Internazionale, Arsenal and Valencia to the Frenchman's signature.

Boumsong, who was out of contract in the summer, has signed a pre-contract agreement with Rangers which will see him arrive at Ibrox at the end of the season.

Roux, who signed Boumsong from Le Havre, admitted he was flabbergasted that Rangers were able to pull off the deal after expecting him to move to Italy or Spain.

"Jean-Alain has decided to join Rangers? I didn't know that and I certainly didn't expect that," Roux told The Sun.

"I'm very, very surprised at this because he could play anywhere in Europe.

"It's really none of my business because we can't afford to keep him, but I expected to hear that he was going to Italy or Spain, not Scotland. It's his choice though."

The veteran coach believes Rangers have got themselves a bargain in winning the race to sign the classy central defender on a free transfer.

"I'm sure Rangers are getting a bargain. He's a very good defender who has forced his way into the France side and he can only get better.

"How much is he worth? I've heard people put a price tag of millions and millions on his head but that's unfair. The bottom line is he is out of contract and is a free transfer," added Roux.

"If he had a contract I couldn't put a price on his head because then no one may buy him. He's not a baguette that you buy from a baker's shop for a set price. There's no set price but he is a top-class player.

"I don't think all this transfer talk will affect Jean-Alain's play for us.

"We have known for a while he wasn't going to be with us after the summer because we don't have the money to pay his contract."