BOURNEMOUTH defender Jack Simpson has finalised his pre-contract move to join Scottish giants Rangers.

The Weymouth-born 24-year-old has been in talks with the Glasgow outfit over the past week about joining up with Steven Gerrard’s side.

The agreement means that the centre-back will remain with Cherries until the end of his contract on June 30, before becoming a Rangers player on July 1.

Rangers sporting director Ross Wilson said: “Jack is a player that Steven (Gerrard) and I have discussed a number of times in recent months.

"We are always looking at how we can improve and Jack fits the profile that we are looking to add as we develop and move the squad forward again.

“His contractual situation at Bournemouth provided a natural and attractive moment for us to pursue Jack’s signature.

“It has been well publicised that he has been a much-coveted player south of the border but from our first discussion with Jack, we could see how the opportunity to join Rangers was one that was very appealing to him.

“The situation with pre contract negotiations is never an easy one and I extend my thanks to Richard Hughes, my counterpart at Bournemouth, for how he has handled our interest in Jack.”

Simpson is set to move north of the border, after becoming the Dorset club’s first academy graduate to start a game in the Premier League.