Beattie heads for SPL

Friday, 13/08/2010

James Beattie has completed his protracted move away from Stoke City, signing for SPL champions Rangers in a £1.5m deal.

The 32-year-old has been out of favour at the Britannia Stadium since clashing with manager Tony Pulis after a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal last December.

It came less than a year after joining the Potters, signing for £3.5m from Sheffield United in January 2009.

Rangers have been looking for a forward since losing the SPL's all-time top scorer, Kris Boyd, to Middlesbrough on a Bosman free.

Manager Walter Smith admitted yesterday that the cash-strapped club were targeting Beattie, as well as Portsmouth forward Tommy Smith.

Georgie Welcome and Nacer Barazite are both on trial at Ibrox, as Smith looks to rejuvenate his squad in light of extensive spending across Glasgow at Celtic.

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