Rangers sign US international Edu

Scottish Premier League side Rangers have signed USA international Maurice Edu in a 2.6 million pound (4.8 million dollar) deal subject to a work permit.

The 22-year-old midfielder committed himself to a five-year contract after a deal was struck with Major League Soccer at the weekend.

Edu has six full international caps after coming through the youth ranks. He has now returned to his homeland to prepare for a World Cup qualifier in Guatemala, along with new club-mate DaMarcus Beasley.

The talented youngster came highly recommended by former Celtic and Rangers star Maurice Johnston, who was head coach of Edu’s former club, FC Toronto, before assuming the joint role of manager and director of football.

The capture comes following Pedro Mendes’ three-million-pound transfer from Portsmouth, with Steven Davis also set to join in a permanent move on Tuesday.

Davis – in Scotland for Northern Ireland’s friendly at Hampden on Wednesday – impressed while on loan at Ibrox in the latter part of last season.

Manager Walter Smith said: “Steven Davis is also set to become a Rangers player tomorrow. A fee has been agreed with Fulham for the midfielder, who was on loan at Ibrox last season and a deal has been agreed with the player in principle.

“Davis has one or two things to tie up with Fulham but all things being equal he will be a Rangers player tomorrow.”