Barton, Hill & Kranjcar sign for Rangers

[sharky]

Scotland's Rangers that is. From sky sports

www.skysports.com/football/news/11708/10281886/burnley-midfielder-joey-barton-at-rangers-training-ground-sky-sources?

Burnley midfielder Joey Barton at Rangers' training ground

By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 14/05/16 3:39pm

Joey Barton is yet to sign a new deal at Burnley

Burnley midfielder Joey Barton was at Rangers' Murray Park training ground on Saturday, according to Sky sources.

Barton joined Burnley last August on a one-year deal following his release from Queens Park Rangers and helped them win the Sky Bet Championship title.

The 33-year-old, who also scooped the club's Player of the Year award, has held discussions with Burnley over extending his stay at Turf Moor, but is yet to sign a new contract.

Rangers are currently preparing for life back in the Scottish Premiership after winning promotion to the top-flight last month.

Liverpool midfielder Jordan Rossiter and Accrington duo Josh Windass and Matt Crooks have already agreed to join the Gers on four-year deals.

[Macmoish]

Should go back to Newcastle

[sharky]

May 14, 2016 15:53:42 GMT Macmoish said:

Should go back to Newcastle

Glasgow's not that far from Newcastle!

[sharky]

....more from the BBC

www.bbc.com/sport/football/36293572

Joey Barton: Rangers make move to sign Burnley midfielder for free

By Richard Wilson
BBC Scotland

1 hour ago From the section Football

Barton was named Burnley's player of the year after helping them gain promotion to the Premier League

Rangers have made a move to sign Burnley midfielder Joey Barton on a free transfer this summer.

The 33-year-old was shown round the club's Auchenhowie training ground on Saturday. Talks will continue and a deal could be imminent.

Barton was named in the Championship team of the season as Burnley secured the title.

He has yet to agree a new deal with Burnley and could be tempted by a longer term contract at Ibrox.

Rangers manager Mark Warburton is keen to add some experience and character to his squad in preparation for their return to the Premiership.

Barton, who won one England cap, was named player of the year at Burnley this season.

The former Manchester City, Newcastle, QPR and Marseille player joined the club when Frank McParland was the sporting director.

McParland is now head of recruitment at Ibrox, and will be an influential figure as Barton weighs up his options.

The transfer runs counter to Rangers' recruitment strategy of signing players with the potential to develop and rise in value.

But Barton is a player McParland knows well and Warburton prefers to sign individuals whose nature and character he is already aware of.

[sharky]

From Herald Scotland. Looks like he's going to Rangers. Not surprising IMO. He's a good leader (Rangers need a leader), likes a challenge, likes "big" clubs, likes being in the limelight and wants a more than 1 year deal so Rangers is perfect for him!

www.heraldscotland.com/sport/football/14493699.Barton_close_to_Rangers_deal_as_Warburton_looks_to_add__quot_experience__maturity_and_physicality_quot_/?

Joey Barton close to Rangers deal as Mark Warburton looks to add "experience, maturity and physicality"

Image: Joey Barton arrives at Ibrox yesterday

19 mins ago / Graeme Macpherson

MARK Warburton revealed he was looking to add “some experience, some maturity and some physicality” to his Rangers midfield as he closes in on the signing of Joey Barton. The 33 year-old, soon to become a free agent, was in Glasgow for talks yesterday and was shown around the club’s training ground and stadium by assistant manager Davie Weir. Barton had been widely expected to sign a new contract with Burnley after playing a significant role as they won the English Championship this season but, with only a one-year extension on the table and Barton wanting a longer deal, the door has opened for Rangers to make their move.

The former Manchester City, Newcastle and QPR player would be their second signing of the week following the recruitment of Jordan Rossiter from Liverpool. And while Barton’s age means he does not fit in with Rangers’ strategy of targeting younger players with the potential to improve, Warburton admitted he also needed to balance that with more experienced figures.

“We have to get players in who can add value and quality,” he said. “But I think it is important to add some experience, some maturity and some physicality as well. There are not many out there but we are getting closer and finger crossed we can nail one down sometime soon.”

Warburton was pleased to get Rossiter on board but was keen to deny reports the Ibrox club were paying the England under-19 midfielder a wage of £10,000 a week.

“I’m bemused by stories that seem to lead with the amount of wage he is on and that there has been a 40 percent increase in the wage bill available to the club,” he added. “These are randomly picked figures. There is no truth behind them. I find the integrity in writing these statements somewhat bizarre. [Rossiter’s wage] is nowhere near what has been reported. From our point of view it’s important we retain the unity within the squad. Bizarre stories like that serve no purpose.

“It’s a really big coup getting him. He’s a young international, a talented boy with a big future ahead of him in the game. So for us to get him speaks volumes of the work of Frank McParland, who knows him so well.”

[Roller]

Maybe Dyche has learnt from Warnock's experience and is moving him on before Barton can try to get him sacked.

[Macmoish]

Barton has his book coming out in September. Whereever he is, hope he does'nt get distracted.

As for Rangers, it might be prudent for Barton to curb his frequent tweets about the idiocy of religion, etc....

[sharky]

From the Press and Journal

www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/sport/football/spfl/920280/rangers-close-signing-croatia-international-niko-kranjcar/?

Rangers close in on signing of Croatia international Niko Kranjcar

16 May 2016 by Reporter

Rangers are locked in talks to sign former Spurs, Portsmouth and QPR midfielder Niko Kranjcar and it appears the 31-year-old Croatian is keen on the move to Ibrox.

Kranjcar joined American side New York Cosmos on a short term deal in March in a bid to return to fitness after a disappointing spell at Dynamo Kiev.

The Croatian spent two and a half years at Kiev but two of those seasons were spent on loan at QPR and, after failing to settle in Ukraine, his Kiev contract was cancelled in late January.

Kranjcar then moved to the States but hinted that his move to the Cosmos in March could be a means to regain fitness and prepare him for a return to Europe.

Kranjcar made 22 appearances for QPR last season, scoring twice
Kranjcar made 22 appearances for QPR last season, scoring twice
Rangers are now offering Kranjcar that opportunity to return, with Mark Warburton flying out to New York to discuss terms with the Croatian.

Initial talks went well, with further discussions reportedly planned for after Rangers take on Hibs this weekend in the Scottish Cup final.

Kranjcar, who has been capped 81 times for Croatia, would bring plenty of creativity and experience to the Rangers team and could operate in any of the three positions behind the Rangers centre forward.

Last week the Gers completed a deal to sign highly rated midfielder Jordan Rossiter, 19, from Liverpool.

Rossiter became the third player to agree to join the Gers this summer after Accrington Stanley duo Josh Windass and Matt Crooks signed pre-contract deals but Warburton is keen to further boost his squad in the coming weeks ahead of the club’s return to the top flight.

Talks also remain ongoing with midfielder Joey Barton, who was in Glasgow over the weekend for a tour of Ibrox and Rangers’ Murray Park training facilities.

The Burnley captain’s contract expires this summer and although he has been offered a new deal with the Championship winners, Warburton is hoping to tie him up on a three year deal at Ibrox.

[harr]

Barton could still have something to offer Rangers but why they are interested in Nico beats me.
Lovely guy but cant see how he would be an asset now.

[rangerjake]

Niko was last season playing for New York Cosmos of the American second (or maybe it's third) division.

[sharky]

From The Guardian. Looks like Joey is off to Glasgow

www.theguardian.com/football/2016/may/23/joey-barton-rangers-burnley?

Joey Barton set to join Rangers after agreeing two-year deal

• He is fourth new signing by Rangers who are back in the Scottish top flight
• Midfielder turned down chance to stay with Burnley for another 12 months

Despite being voted Burnley’s player of the year and helping them regain Premiership status, Joey Barton is heading to Ibrox.

Tuesday 24 May 2016 07.57 AEST Last modified on Tuesday 24 May 2016 08.25 AEST

Joey Barton has given Rangers a verbal assurance that he will sign for them on a two-year deal, it is understood. Burnley had offered Barton, 33, a further 12 months at Turf Moor but the free agent has decided on the longer-term security afforded by the Glasgow club.

The former Manchester City, Newcastle and QPR player met the Rangers manager, Mark Warburton, last week while being shown round Ibrox and the club’s Murray Park training base.

Rangers won the Scottish Championship but their 3-2 defeat by Hibernian in the Scottish Cup final on Saturday denied them a place in the Europa League.

Barton, who was Burnley’s player of the year helping them secure the Championship title, is Rangers’ fourth recent signing, joining the Accrington Stanley pair Josh Windass and Matt Crooks as well as the former Liverpool midfielder Jordan Rossiter.

Warburton will see the signing as a major coup as he prepares to do battle with Celtic and their new manager, Brendan Rodgers, next season.

[sharky]

....and from the BBC confirmation that Joey is off to Glasgow Rangers

www.bbc.com/sport/football/36360594

Joey Barton at Rangers' training ground after agreeing terms

By Richard Wilson
BBC Scotland
27 minutes ago From the section Football

Joey Barton has arrived at Rangers' Murray Park training ground after agreeing terms to join as a free agent.

Barton had offers from the Ibrox side and his current club Burnley - but chose to move to Glasgow after visiting Rangers' Auchenhowie training ground.

In a series of cryptic tweets on Monday, he hinted he had decided to join the Scottish Championship winners.

The 33-year-old midfielder was named player of the year as Burnley were promoted to the Premier League.

The former Manchester City, Newcastle, QPR and Marseille player, who has one England cap, spoke with Rangers manager Mark Warburton on his visit to Auchenhowie nine days ago.

On Tuesday, Barton tweeted that he could not turn down the opportunity to join Rangers.

Barton was quoted as saying he could not turn down the opportunity to join Rangers

[nomar]

Since Rangers seem intent on rebuilding our old Championship midfield would they, perchance, be interested in Sandro and Hoilett too?

Good 2 for 1 deal there.

[Macmoish]

Will be interesting to see how his new book (out in Sept) and interviews will interfere with - or impact on - his day job

[sharky]

[blatantfowl]

He has had a year at Burnley during which I cannot recall him inciting any major controversy.

All he has to do is carry that on for 2 years at Rangers and he'll be fine. The Rangers/Celtic rivalry does take hate to another level so he really could do without winding it up any further.

[Ashdown_Ranger]

May 24, 2016 17:29:48 GMT blatantfowl said:

He has had a year at Burnley during which I cannot recall him inciting any major controversy.

All he has to do is carry that on for 2 years at Rangers and he'll be fine. The Rangers/Celtic rivalry does take hate to another level so he really could do without winding it up any further.

It's funny, Barton can be an intelligent, sensitive soul... but 50/50 with me as to whether he spreads peace and love - or incites a riot up there and gets himself knee-capped.

[nomar]

May 24, 2016 12:32:15 GMT Macmoish said:

Will be interesting to see how his new book (out in Sept) and interviews will interfere with - or impact on - his day job

No, actually.

I won't find it interesting at all.

Sorry.

[canadaranger]

www.transfermarkt.co.uk/official-barton-joins-rangers/view/news/236389

[sharky]

Interesting take from our and Scotland's Matt Phillips on Joey Barton, plus some interesting comments on himself. From Glasgow's Evening Times.

www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/14522402.Joey_Barton_is_misunderstood_and_will_be_a_star_in_Scotland__insists_former_team_mate/?

Joey Barton is misunderstood and will be a star in Scotland, insists former team-mate Matt Phillips

3 hrs ago / Graeme Macpherson

SCOTLAND winger Matt Phillips thinks his old QPR team-mate Joey Barton is a misunderstood figure –and believes the Rangers new boy will be a star in Scottish football next season. Barton has been one of the most outspoken and controversial figures in the game in recent years, and has already lit the light blue touchpaper since his move north by claiming he will be the best player in the country next season and that all the pressure will be on rivals Celtic to retain their Premiership title.

Phillips, though, spent two seasons playing alongside Barton and believes the midfielder, now 33, has become a more mature figure in recent times. And Phillips, who will look to add to his three Scotland caps in the forthcoming friendly double-header against Italy and France, reckons his former colleague can get away with some of the more outrageous statements as he has the talent to back it up.

Phillips told Sport Times: “Some people get the wrong impression of Joey from what you hear but I was with him for two seasons and thought he was a top player. He’s got plenty of ability and the older he’s got, the wiser he’s got as well. I think he will bring a lot of quality to Rangers. I heard he said he is going to light up Scottish football or whatever and he’s definitely got the talent to do that.

“He’s played for other big clubs like Marseille and Newcastle and you don’t get those kind of moves if you don’t have something about you. I’m sure he’ll be good for Rangers. He was a big personality in our dressing room. He always speaks his mind and lets you know where you are. When you’re in the same team as him you know you can look at him and see someone who is always going to give 100 percent.

“He was first class with me when we played together. We never had any problems. And I think he’s got more mature the older he gets. He’s got the ability so he can back up what he says. He can talk the talk but he can walk the walk as well.”

Barton could yet be joined at Ibrox by Niko Kranjcar who remains a signing target for manager Mark Warburton. The Croat was another who shared a dressing room with Phillips at Loftus Road and the Scotland man rates his old team-mate as a real talent who Rangers would do well to snap up.

The 25 year-old added: “I think Niko is one of the best players I’ve ever played with. He might not be the fastest but his ability on the ball, both left and right foot, is second to none. If he goes to Rangers then I can see him making a real impact there as he’s a top player. He’s very technically gifted, he’s got great vision, he can see a pass that a normal player wouldn’t see, and his individual skill is tremendous. If Rangers get him then they’ve landed themselves a really brilliant signing. I’ve played with a lot of players throughout my career but I’d have Niko up near the top.”

Phillips, meanwhile, will look to bolster his chances of featuring in the World Cup qualifiers that start in the autumn by performing well in Scotland’s next two matches. The Aylesbury-born player qualifiers for Gordon Strachan’s side through his grandparents from Ayrshire but has struggled to get a run in the side after making his debut back in 2012.

He added: “It’s taken a while for my Scotland career to properly get going but hopefully this can now be the start of it. I’ve had a few injuries along the way which hasn’t helped but now I’m fit and looking to getting more caps and making squads. The World Cup qualifiers start in a few months so I need to show over these two games that I deserve to be a part of it when it gets underway later in the year. If I can get some minutes on the pitch hopefully I can do myself justice.”

[sharky]

From Ladbrokes

news.ladbrokes.com/spfl/kranjcars-dad-tantalises-rangers-fans-with-transfer-comments.html?

KRANJCAR’S DAD TANTALISES RANGERS FANS WITH TRANSFER COMMENTS

Croatian midfielder could yet be Ibrox bound

8 June 2016

In the unstable world of transfer speculation, concrete clues are hard to find, but Rangers fans now have something tangible to cling to where the club’s alleged pursuit of Niko Kranjcar is concerned.

The former Tottenham, Portsmouth and QPR midfielder may be getting itchy feet at New York Cosmos already, according to his father at least, re-opening the possibility of Kranjcar joining the Ladbrokes Premiership returnees.

With Kranjcar currently nursing an injury and his short-term contract at the Big Apple outfit about to run out, the Daily Record quote dad Zlatko offering a bulletin on his options.

The 31-year-old’s father said: “He could continue with Cosmos, who want to keep him or go to Rangers, who he is still talking to.

“He wants to return to Europe and I think that would be good for him because he can play at a top level for at least another two years.”

Whether or not the player’s spouse feels the same way about his football future is another matter however.

The same publication suggest that Kranjcar’s actress wife Zrinka Cvitesic was putting the blockers on any Ibrox move because of her budding Broadway ambitions.

It remains to be seen just who holds the most sway over the 81-capped Croatian creator’s next career move but, having reportedly spoken in person to Gers manager Mark Warburton in the USA last month, there is definitely scope to see the former English Premier League regular arrive in Glasgow this summer.

Perhaps the Ladbrokes Championship winners’ recent capture of Kranjcar’s former Loftus Road teammate Joey Barton will be another positive factor in any potential switch.

The signing of Barton, who could easily have stayed on with Burnley for their return to England’s top flight, has been widely hailed for its ambitious nature.

With Celtic making a high-profile managerial signing in Brendan Rodgers, the pressure is on Warburton to form a Rangers squad ready to rival their Old Firm foes for the 2016/17 Ladbrokes Premiership title.

Kranjcar’s guile and experience would be an obvious boon to that end goal, which they are 3/1 to achieve.

[sharky]

From the Scottish Sun and as indicated on the signings thread

www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/7200203/Rangers-set-to-sign-37-year-old-Clint-Hill-after-he-was-freed-by-QPR.html

Rangers set to sign 37-year-old Clint Hill after he was freed by QPR

EXCLUSIVE By DEREK McGREGOR
14:00, 15 Jun 2016

FREED QPR warhorse Clint Hill is set to become Rangers’ latest shock signing.

SunSport understands Ibrox gaffer Mark Warburton wants hardman Hill — 38 in October — to pen a one-year deal and add experience to his defence for next season’s top-flight return.

It’s a stunning move for the stopper who, in a 19-year career, has made almost 600 competitive appearances under top bosses like Tony Pulis, Neil Warnock, Mark Hughes and Harry Redknapp.

Hill also comes highly recommended by the Light Blues’ biggest signing of the summer so far, Joey Barton, who was a team-mate at Loftus Road.

Warbs believes Hill will be another big influence for his younger players at Ibrox and bolster the bid to challenge Celtic, who are going for six-in-a-row.

The Gers gaffer — still in talks to improve his current three-year deal — views Hill the same way as Walter Smith did Davie Weir in 2007, signing the centre-half when he was a few months short of his 37th birthday and then getting magnificent service out of him.

As well as QPR, Hill has played for Stoke, Oldham, Tranmere, Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest.

Another former QPR team-mate Niko Kranjcar is Ibrox-bound, too, with SunSport revealing he has accepted the offer of a two-year deal to leave New York Cosmos.

[Ashdown_Ranger]

Barton, Krancjar, Hill... Philips brown-nosing his way to a transfer too(?)

I'm half expecting Harry to be unveiled as manager (or maybe Director of Football).

Actually, the cold oop North will play havoc with his knee, so maybe not...

[Lonegunmen]

Hoilett and Henry to Glasgow Rangers? Odds?

[sharky]

From Rangers Offie. Joey on Clint joining Rangers

rangers.co.uk/news/features/friends-reunited-3/

Friends Reunited

Friday, 17 June 2016, 17:00
by Neil Smith

AddThis Sharing Buttons
JOEY BARTON is looking forward to working with Clint Hill at Rangers after both players became close friends during their spells with QPR.

Barton moved to Loftus Road in 2011 and, although he would join Marseille on loan in 2012/13, he saw enough of Hill in his four years on the London club’s books to be impressed with his attitude, ability and commitment on and off the pitch.

Both players lifted the Sky Bet Championship Play-off Final trophy at Wembley in May 2014 (see photo above) after QPR’s victory over Derby County and Barton hopes they can enjoy more special moments like that at Rangers.

Joey said: “Clint is someone I can vouch for as a player, he’s someone I’ve played with and spent time with and someone who I class as a friend.

He’s someone I’ve been in the trenches with in many big games and he’s someone who’ll never let you down and you can hang your hat on for a performance and for effort.

“Last season with Burnley Andre Gray was the best striker in the league and Clint played against him and nullified him.

“We managed to win that game 1-0 but Andre had probably his toughest afternoon and that’s testament to Clint and the sort of competitor he is.

“Hopefully the Rangers faithful will take to him like every other fan base.

“He’s an icon at QPR and at every club he’s been at he’s been a real fans’ favourite because of his 100 per cent committed performances and the way he applies himself to the game.”

Both Barton and Hill were born and raised in Merseyside but their paths didn’t cross until later in their football careers.

Joey explained: “He’ll kill me for saying this but I’m actually from Liverpool and he’s from Birkenhead, over the water.

“He was born on our side but then moved to South Africa and when he moved back he was in Liverpool but I always wind him up by saying he’s from over the water!

“I played against him over the years, not at youth level as he’s four years older, but I remember him as a competitor.

You don’t maybe realise how good people are until you go and play with them and that’s the case with Clint.
“He’s a fantastic competitor and a fantastic professional, hence the reason why he’s still going so strong at the age he is and he’ll come in and want to contribute to the group.

“The way he trains on a daily basis is habit, and when I was asked the question about him I couldn’t speak more glowingly about him because he’s the kind of character you want in the dressing room.

“When the going gets tough you need your big characters and I think Rangers have a number of them in there already, regardless of age.

“I think they’ve shown that, by getting to two cup finals and winning the Championship, there are a number of competitors in there.

“The more of those you can add to your group, the stronger it becomes.”

[sharky]

....and from the BBC

www.bbc.com/sport/football/36554932

Rangers: Clint Hill signs one-year deal and feels like film star

From the section Football

Clint Hill has gone from being discarded by Queens Park Rangers to feeling like a film star at Rangers after signing for the Glasgow club.

The 37-year-old has agreed a one-year contract with the promoted club and is surprised by the media interest.

"The biggest challenge is going to be getting used to the focus you receive as a Rangers player up here," he said.

"I walked out of baggage reclaim and thought there was a Hollywood superstar behind me."

Hill spent six years with the London club but was released at the end of the season after playing only 15 times in the last campaign.

But the Englishman will use Rangers assistant David Weir, who spent the last five years of his career at Ibrox and captained the side to three successive league titles, as his example.

"I've got massive respect for Davie because I know how hard it is to stay in this game," said Hill. "It can eat you alive at certain points.

"I think he stayed in until he was 41 and played in a Uefa Cup final. That's an unbelievable achievement.

"I'll be pestering him on a daily basis to get some inspiration from him."

Hill began his career with Tranmere Rovers and had spells with Oldham Athletic, Stoke City and Crystal Palace before switching to Loftus Road, where his side finished 12th in last season's Championship.

"I've passed my medical, so hopefully they are happy with me," he said. "My body has held up so far over a 20-year career.

"I've always kept myself fit so I'm ready for the challenge. I'm not here for a jolly up or retirement. I'm here to work.

"I had options abroad and could have taken the easy way out and gone to a league with less pressure, but when Rangers come knocking, you can't turn that down."

Hill is Mark Warburton's fifth signing as he prepares for the Scottish Premiership season after the arrivals of midfielders Joey Barton, who is a former team-mate at QPR, Matt Crooks, Josh Windass and Jordan Rossiter.

"I've not stopped smiling," he said. "I didn't think Rangers would be interested in a 37-year-old defender.

"But I'm extremely proud and very excited to be here. I'm looking forward to the challenge."

[sharky]

From the BBC

www.bbc.com/sport/football/36579914

Niko Kranjcar: Midfielder set for medical at Rangers

By Richard Wilson
BBC Scotland
22 minutes ago From the section Football

Croatia midfielder Niko Kranjcar will arrive in Glasgow on Wednesday for a medical ahead of a proposed move to Rangers, according to his lawyer.

There is a two-year contract on offer to the 31-year-old from the Ibrox club.

The former Tottenham, QPR and Dynamo Kiev player is a free agent following a spell with New York Cosmos.

Kranjcar, capped 81 times for his country, wants to return to Europe for a "fresh challenge", lawyer Emil Zgur told BBC Scotland.

He is not at Euro 2016 and has not represented Croatia since 2013.

More to follow.

[sharky]

From the Herald Scotland

www.heraldscotland.com/sport/football/14573156.Niko_Kranjcar_touches_down_in_Glasgow_for_Rangers_medical/?

Niko Kranjcar touches down in Glasgow for Rangers medical

2 hrs ago / Alasdair Mackenzie, Online Sports Content Editor / @aksmackenzie

NIKO KRANJCAR has landed in Glasgow ahead of undergoing a medical at Rangers.

The former Tottenham Hotspur and Queens Park Rangers midfielder is a free agent after leaving New York Cosmos earlier this month and looks set to become Mark Warburton's sixth summer signing.

Kranjcar will have a medical with the Ibrox outfit today after arriving in Glasgow earlier and could team up with former QPR teammates Clint Hill and Joey Barton at the Gers.

The 31-year-old made seven appearances for the Cosmos last season in NASL, the North American second tier, scoring once in seven appearances.

He notched 15 goals in 81 caps for Croatia and is vastly experienced in the Premier League after spells at Portsmouth, Spurs and QPR.

Rangers have already completed the signings of Barton, Hill, Jordan Rossiter and Accrington Stanley pair Josh Windass and Matt Crooks since the 2015/16 season was concluded.

Burnley goalkeeper Matt Gilks is also believed to be close to a move and reports say he also arrived in Glasgow today for talks with the club.

[sharky]

From Rangers Offie. QPR Old Boys Club?!

rangers.co.uk/news/headlines/rangers-sign-niko-kranjcar/

Rangers Sign Niko Kranjcar

Thursday, 23 June 2016, 10:00
by Rangers Football Club

RANGERS Football Club is delighted to confirm that Niko Kranjcar has become Mark Warburton’s sixth signing ahead of the 2016/17 season.

The Croatian attacking midfielder – who was previously with New York Cosmos – has agreed a two-year deal with the Light Blues after successfully completing a medical in Auchenhowie.

Kranjcar, 31, is a vastly experienced, technically-gifted player who has enjoyed a top-level career spanning 15 years.

Mark Warburton said: “We are delighted to secure a player of Niko’s undoubted qualities and very much look forward to welcoming him to the club.

“Such a signing shows our desire to achieve a positive balance between young, hungry players and the undoubted necessity of experience and maturity.

“In addition, I would like to thank the Cosmos for the highly professional manner in which they have conducted their business throughout this process. It has been a pleasure to deal with them.”
Born in Zagreb, Kranjcar started his senior professional career at Dinamo Zagreb, becoming the club’s youngest captain at 17.

From 2001 to 2005 he won three Croatian Cups, two Croatian Football Super Cups and a Croatian First Football League title with Zagreb, and was named Prva HNL Player of the Year in 2003.

In January 2005 Kranjcar transferred to fierce rivals Hajduk Split and, wearing the number 10 jersey, he helped the team win the 2004/05 Croatian First Football League Championship and also netted the winning goal in extra time to lift the Croatian Football Super Cup in 2005.

Portsmouth gave him his first taste of English football at 22, with Harry Redknapp paying €5 million in August 2006 for one of football’s rising stars.

Prior to this switch the young Croat was handed an international debut against Israel by his father Zlatko, who also played for Dinamo Zagreb and Rapid Vienna, and Niko would go on to make 81 appearances for his country, scoring 16 goals.

In nine years – from 2004 to 2013 – he would represent Croatia at the 2006 World Cup and at Euro 2008 and Euro 2012.

In September 2009, Kranjcar was reunited with Harry Redknapp at Tottenham Hotspur, with the London club securing his signature in a £2.5 million deal with Portsmouth, despite a late approach from Everton.

After three years at White Hart Lane, Kranjcar joined Ukrainian side Dynamo Kiev but he returned to England on loan with Queens Park Rangers in September 2013, with Redknapp signing the player for a third time.

During his two-year spell at Loftus Road, the talented playmaker was in a squad which included Clint Hill and Joey Barton and he went on to make 57 appearances for QPR, scoring five goals.

On 18 March 2016 New York Cosmos announced they had signed Kranjcar following his release from Kiev, but today the 2008 FA Cup winner with Portsmouth becomes the third Croatian to play for Rangers – following in the footsteps of Dado Prso and Nikica Jelavic – and he will undoubtedly be an important and exciting addition to Mark Warburton’s squad.

[Roller]