Rangers newco: Kyle Lafferty and Steven Whittaker find new clubs

Published on 02/07/2012 01:34

KYLE Lafferty and Steven Whittaker became the latest Rangers refuseniks to find themselves new clubs when they sealed moves to FC Sion and Norwich City respectively.

Both players last week rejected a transfer to the newco Rangers, but it was confirmed over the weekend that Swiss club Sion landed Northern Ireland striker Lafferty on a three-year deal, while Scotland internationalist Whittaker will sign for the Canaries, subject to international clearance. Whittaker, who enjoyed a successful five years at Ibrox following a £2 million move from Hibs, said: “All of my experience to date has been in Scotland so I am really looking forward to the challenge of playing in the Premier League, I’m very excited about it.

“When I spoke to [manager] Chris Hughton I was very impressed with his plans to progress Norwich City and everyone I’ve spoken to in the game has had nothing but praise for the club and the city of Norwich. I know (midfielder) Simon Lappin from a few years back and of course I know (defender) Russell Martin from Scotland and I am looking forward to meeting up with the squad.”

Lafferty joined Rangers from Burnley in 2008 and played more than 100 times. A statement on Sion’s official website confirmed: “He will be presented at a press conference on Monday, then will join his new team-mates for training.”

Meanwhile Dorin Goian’s agent has indicated that the Romanian defender may opt to stay at Ibrox.