Gers land Marseille skipper Hemdani

Rangers manager Alex McLeish has made Marseille skipper Brahim Hemdani his second signing of the summer, according to the club's official website.

The Bank of Scotland Premier League champions have pulled off the transfer just days after snapping up Hibernian captain Ian Murray.

The 27-year-old French Algerian, who was out of contract, has signed a four-year deal with Rangers as manager Alex McLeish continues his preparation for next season.

Hemdani can operate in central defence or midfield and was courted by Bayer Leverkusen and Real Betis.

But chief executive Martin Bain and chairman David Murray convinced the player a move to Ibrox was his best bet.

Murray said: "Alex has been after Brahim ever since watching him captain Marseille against Newcastle in a UEFA Cup tie two seasons ago.

"Marseille went on to make it to the final that season and along with Didier Drogba, Brahim was one of the major reasons for their success.

"We have had a huge fight from Bayer Leverkusen and Real Betis over the weekend but Brahim wants to be part of our club and we're delighted."

Brahim spent two years at Cannes in the late 90s and three seasons at Strasbourg before making the switch to the Velodrome.

He was a key player for the French heavyweights and skippered them to the 2004 UEFA Cup final defeat against Valencia.