Le Guen signs up Chelsea teenager

Paul Le Guen is the new Rangers manager

Paul Le Guen has made his first signing as Rangers manager by recruiting teenage South African midfielder Dean Furman from Chelsea.

The 18-year-old, who had trials with Celtic and Hamilton, has signed a two-year deal with the Glasgow club.

Furman said: "Rangers were always on the phone trying to get me down and, after a week there, offered a contract.

"A lot of boys have left Chelsea and done well. So I do not see this as the end. I see this as just the start."

Furman, who has progressed through Chelsea's youth ranks, impressed Accies on trial, but the First Division outfit decided he was outwith their budget.

He also spent time with Scottish champions Celtic before heading for Ibrox, having decided that his first-team prospects at big-spending Chelsea would be limited.

Chelsea's Scottish assistant manager, Stevie Clarke, said: "Obviously it's a big step up from the youth teams at Chelsea to the first team, but the lad has a lot of ability.

"I actually watched him play in a couple of games with our reserves last season and was impressed with him.

"He's a very talented centre midfield player and he's also a great kid with a great attitude."

Meanwhile, Austria Vienna midfielder Libor Sionko has warned Rangers that they face competition from another club if they want to sign him this summer.

Sionko, who has rejected an offer from Vienna, hopes to make a decision within the next few days.