Glasgow Rangers have announced the signing of England forward James Beattie from Stoke City for a fee of £1.5 million. The former Southampton star has signed a two-year deal at Ibrox with an option of extending it by another year. The 32-year old becomes the first Rangers’ signing for over two years now. The deal was not without its share of drama though as a late bid by Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce had to be foiled in order for the switch to take place.
Beattie will fill the void left by the departure of Kris Boyd to Middlesbrough. As a result of Beattie’s arrival, Rangers have ended their interest in Rapid Vienna’s forward Nikica Jelavic. Beattie had a nightmarish time at Stoke City where he scored just nine times in thirty eight appearances. Many fans at the Britannia stadium had serious reservations about his hunger for the game. The stint with Rangers marks a fresh start for Beattie who said that the prospect of playing in Europe was one of the main reasons for him to join the club.
Rangers were given a boost when Scotland star Lee McCulloch extended his current deal with the club by two years. Rangers are also in the pursuit of Tommy Smith from Portsmouth.
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