Rangers have signed defender Rafael Fernandes on a loan deal until the end of the season.
The 22-year-old joins from French club Lille, and the move includes an option to make the move permanent in the summer.
Fernandes came through the Sporting Lisbon academy before moving to Portuguese club Arouca and then Ligue 1, and will provide defensive cover following several injuries this season.
Rangers have been looking for a centre-back since December, with John Souttar missing since last month’s draw with Spurs, while Dujon Sterling remains injured and Feyenoord loanee Neraysho Kasanwirjo ruled out for the rest of the season.
“I am very happy to be here,” he said after sealing a move to Ibrox. “It was a club I wanted to come to since I heard about the interest, and I am really happy to finally be here.
“My first impressions have been really good, I met some of my colleagues, some of the staff and all of them made me comfortable to start this new challenge.”
Manager Philippe Clement added: “He is a young defender who brings with him a lot of qualities which will be an asset for our team for the remainder of this season. He has a lot of potential, and I am looking forward to working with him.”
Rangers’ technical director Nils Koppen said: “We identified the defensive area as one we wanted to strengthen this window, and it is great to be able to add Rafael. I am sure he can continue to develop his game at Rangers, and I look forward to seeing him challenging our defensive players for playing time in the weeks and months ahead, and potentially into the seasons ahead also.”
