Kevin Ciubotaru chose Rangers transfer over NINE other clubs as he reveals expected first team timeline

New Rangers signing Kevin Ciubotaru says he knocked back no fewer than nine other clubs to sign up at Ibrox.

And the Romanian youngster admits he can't wait to play alongside countryman Ianis Hagi.

The Premiership champions snapped up the 18-year-old defender before the transfer deadline as he joined their academy ranks.

He agreed to join Rangers despite interest from a string of English Premier League clubs.

Ciubotaru isn't planning on spending much time in the youth ranks, however, as he targeted a first-team berth from next season.

The teenager said: "I had trials and training at Chelsea, Spurs, West Ham, Watford, Southampton, Brentford.

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"I first went to Chelsea in 2019 and it opened my eyes to British football, but I did not feel ready for it yet. I also went to Barnet for a spell because Edgar Davids was the manager there.

"They wanted to sign me, while Sheffield United and Leicester City offered to sign me up for their Academies.

"The interest from Rangers was unusual because they were looking at videos of one of my colleagues and spotted me instead. They wanted more details and within a week they sent me a plane ticket and I flew to Glasgow.

"Rangers are an extraordinary club, with a