Nikola Katic: Rangers sign Croatian defender on four-year deal

Nikola Katic is the fifth signing by Steven Gerrard since he was named Rangers manager this summer

Rangers have signed Croatian defender Nikola Katic from Slaven Belupo on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

The 21-year-old has been capped once in a friendly against Mexico in May 2017.

He joined Slaven Belupo in January 2016 and made 34 appearances last season as the club from Koprivnica finished sixth in the Croatian top flight.

Katic told Rangers TV: "When they told me Steven Gerrard wanted to take me, I told my agent I just need to take my shoes and run to Scotland."

The defender added: "He is a legend of world football and I'm glad to be here with him."

Katic is the fifth summer signing for Ibrox manager Gerrard, following deals for goalkeeper Allan McGregor, midfielders Scott Arfield and Ovie Ejaria and winger Jamie Murphy.

McGregor starts a second spell at Ibrox while Murphy has formalised an initial loan move from Brighton.

Arfield, Ejaria and Katic could make their debuts when Rangers feature in the opening round of Europa League qualifiers next month.

"I am the sort of player who likes a duel," Katic added. "And in Scotland, the type of football I think is for me. There are a lot of long balls and a lot of duels, and that is what I like.

"I've seen the stadium on television and I have read about the fans and the rivalry with Celtic. It is really great and I cannot wait to play here.

"Rangers is a good step to show to the [Croatia] national manager that I can play for the national team.

"Rangers needs to be in with the top European clubs, and I will try with the other players to move this club to the top of European football."

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