Neraysho Kasanwirjo is Rangers’ first deadline day signing as Feyenoord defender completes loan switch

Rangers have snapped up Feyenoord defender Neraysho Kasanwirjo on a season-long loan – with an option to buy.

The Netherlands U21 international has agreed a switch to Ibrox after struggling to force down a regular spot in Brian Priske’s first team. Now the 6ft 1in right-sided stopper - who can also play at right back - will bolster Philippe Clement’s backline and could take his place in the squad heading to Celtic Park for the first Old Firm of the season on Sunday.

Kasanwirjo has featured twice for Feyenoord this season after spending last campaign on loan to Austrian side Rapid Vienna where he made 23 appearances. But he helped the Rotterdam side lift the Dutch title two seasons ago after signing from Groningen having come through Ajax’s renowned academy. The 22-year-old has now been allowed to move out on loan to Rangers where he could fill the void left by Ben Davies' move to Birmingham.

Kasanwirjo will strengthen a department where fellow Dutchman Robin Propper, John Souttar and Leon Balogun are the only recognised senior central defenders available to Clement.

And he told the club's official website: “I’m very excited to join the club and play for the fans. I spoke with the coach who had a good feeling, and the most important thing for me is to play and help the team as much as I can.

“Rangers is a really big and traditional club. There are a lot of memories and you need to win games. I want to win and bring the level of the team up, so it’s a good step for me."

Kasanwirjo is the first deadline day arrival at Ibrox. But Clement is eager to add more before the window slams shut at 11pm. The manager said: “We are thrilled to welcome Neraysho to the football club and we believe he will be a big asset to the team. He