Glasgow Rangers to sign Turkish star Tugay

Glasgow Rangers have announced that they are to sign Turkish international Tugay Kerimoglu but have yet to complete the details of the deal.

Rangers chairman David Murray has confirmed the signing of Tugay on the Rangers web site this afternoon but the Scottish champions may face a long wait for the 29 year old.

Tugay is out of contract with Istanbul club Galatasary next summer while he will be playing for the Turkish national team at Euro 2000. While Galatasary remain in the UEFA Cup though they are unlikely to release the player but Rangers hope that a nominal fee will persuade the Turks to sell Tugay and recoup some money at least for one of their top stars.

Glasgow rivals Celtic are hoping to sign Gremio defender Rafael Scheidt this week but work permit problems would delay his first team appearance if they complete the deal. Rangers would have no such problems with Tugay who is a regular for the Turkish national side.

Tugay and Galatasary go into tomorrow's draw for the Fourth Round of the UEFA Cup.