Rangers seal Hemdani deal

Rangers have have secured the services of Marseille captain Brahim Hemdani.

The 27-year-old Algerian, who can operate as a central defender or holding midfielder, shunned overtures from both Spain and Germany to ink a deal at Ibrox.

Real Betis and Bayer Leverkusen were also both in the hunt but, after meeting Rangers chairman David Murray and chief executive Martin Bain, Hemdani elected for a move to Glasgow.

Rangers will pay no fee for the out-of-contract Hemdani but are expected to shell out £4 million in wages over the next four years.

After finally capturing his man after an 18-month chase, Murray has spoken of his delight that he has secured another accomplished performer for Gers boss Alex McLeish.

''Alex has been after Brahim ever since watching him captain Marseille against Newcastle in a Uefa Cup tie two seasons ago,'' Murray told The Daily Record.

''We're talking about a top-quality player who is committed to the idea of playing for Rangers.

''We have had a huge fight from Bayer Leverkusen and Real Betis over the weekend but Brahim wants to be part of the club and we are delighted about that.''