Rangers sign Chelsea's Dujon Sterling on pre-contract deal

Rangers have announced the signing of Chelsea defender Dujon Sterling on a pre-contract agreement.

The 23-year-old will become a Rangers player on July 1 and has agreed a four-year deal with the Ibrox side.

Sterling becomes manager Michael Beale’s second summer signing as he looks to revamp his squad ahead of a title challenge and Champions League qualification campaign next season.

The former England youth international began his career at Chelsea at eight-years-old and has had loan spells at Coventry City, Wigan Athletic, Blackpool and Stoke City.

Speaking after signing for Rangers, Sterling said: “I am really excited to come to such a big club, there’s a lot of history and the supporters are so passionate, so I am thrilled.

“I wasn’t expecting to make my mind up about my future this quickly, but the Gaffer came in for me straight away and what he proposed to me was everything that I believe I need.

“We were on the same wavelength, he believes in me and I believe in what he is trying to do as well so it was a no-brainer for me to come.”

Manager Michael Beale commented: “I am delighted to welcome Dujon to Rangers, he is an exciting young player who, I’m sure, will be a great addition to our squad.

He is someone I was aware of from my time at Chelsea, and I have always kept an eye on his career as it has progressed.

“He is a very powerful and strong defender, who has fantastic attacking qualities and I look forward to working with him at Rangers.”

The defender, 23, will officially join the Ibrox club on 1 July, subject to international clearance.

Sterling has been on Chelsea’s books since 2017 and has been loaned out to Coventry City, Wigan Athletic, Blackpool and most recently Stoke City.