PSV pinch Ball from Gers

Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven have signed Michael Ball from Rangers.

Ball has been expecting to leave Ibrox after finding first-team opportunities hard to come by during Alex McLeish's tenure.

A dispute concerning his contract kept Ball on the fringes of the team but he has now been handed a fresh start in Holland.

The England cap joined Rangers in a £6.5 million deal from Everton four years ago but the Scottish champions have cut their losses on the left back.

Birmingham City had expressed an interest in the 25-year-old, who had 12 months remaining on his contract in Glasgow.

But Blues boss Steve Bruce has been beaten to the punch by PSV coach Guus Hiddink, who suddenly had the need for a left back.

Hiddink lost Lee Young-pyo to Tottenham Hotspur and he has decided to replace the South Korea international with Ball.

The former Toffees starlet has signed a two-year contract in Eindhoven, with the option of a further 12 months, and it is understood PSV have not paid a fee to Rangers.