Rangers clinch Lovenkrands deal

Lovenkrands was sought by many leading clubs

Following advice from former Rangers star and compatriot Brian Laudrup, Danish striker Peter Lovenkrands signed for the Scottish champions on Thursday.

The 20-year-old Lovenkrands has joined on a four-year deal - worth around £1.5m - from AB Copenhagen after Rangers chairman David Murray persuaded him to choose Glasgow over a possible move to Newcastle.

His older brother Tommy Lovenkrands was another factor in the move as he recently completed a £100,000 switch to Scottish Premier League side St Johnstone.

Murray said: "We are pleased to sign such a young and obviously talented player whom many other top European clubs were seeking to secure.

"It was helpful that Brian Laudrup was able to speak with Peter in helping the player make his final decision."

Laudrup: Ibrox legend

Lovenkrands made a huge impact in AB Copenhagen's final two matches of the season, scoring six times, and Laudrup was among those left impressed.

"Everyone in Denmark thinks he has the potential to be a star. He has great pace and his scoring rate has been remarkable. He looked special when I saw him in action," said Laudrup.

Laudrup is understood to have told Lovenkrands that from his own experience going straight to an Italian club would have been too big a step at this stage and playing in Scotland will provide more opportunities for first-team football.

For his part, Lovenkrands said: "I'm thrilled to be joining such a great club as Rangers.

"Everything I have seen and everyone I have met convinced me that Rangers is the club for me. I sincerely hope that I can have even a fraction of the success that Brian Laudrup enjoyed at the club."

Everyone in Denmark thinks he has the potential to be a star

Brian Laudrup

Lovenkrands' older brother Tommy said: "We are a very close family and to have him only one hour away will mean a lot to me. We will be able to play against each other and it would make it easy for our parents to visit us.

"Rangers are a massive club, one of the biggest in Europe, and they always play in the Champions League. That might have swayed his decision.

"He discussed all his options with me and, although it will have been his decision, I told him he should sign for Rangers rather than Newcastle."

Lovenkrands arrival takes Rangers' summer spending to near the £10m mark. Dutch international Bert Konterman joined from Feyenoord for £4.5m, and fellow Dutchman Fernando Ricksen signed from AZ Alkmaar for £3.7m.

Rangers have also attracted the out of contract Scotland internationals Allan Johnston and Paul Ritchie from Sunderland and Bolton respectively without a fee under the Bosman ruling.