The race to become Scottish champions next year is already very much underway.

Celtic have aspirations of making in 10 in a row, but you can guarantee that Glasgow Rangers will be doing everything that they can to stop that happening.

If Steven Gerrard's side are to close the gap they'll need to recruit well - something which they've already made a strong start with.

Rangers have confirmed the signing of Jon McLaughlin.

The 32-year-old goalkeeper moves to Ibrox on a two-year deal after coming to the end of his contract with Sunderland.

The Black Cats offered the stopper a new contract to keep him at the Stadium Of Light, but McLaughlin made the decision to move to Glasgow.

There was also interest from Championship side Blackburn Rovers who were keen on a move.

McLaughlin was a popular figure on Wearside, but revealed that he made the move to Rangers in order to 'be part of something special'.

Explaining the reason for his move, McLaughlin told the Rangers website: "“It’s a very proud moment for myself and for the family.

"It is great to be back up here in Scotland and we are very proud to have made the deal happen and I am really looking forward to now getting back to football and starting my next chapter here with an amazing football club.

p1ebgrksfkt6i8kj1prem8h1ggp9.jpg

“Knowing the club already, and what a massive club it is and what a huge opportunity it could be, and speaking with the manager and his staff, and knowing the vision and the direction they have got, and what they are trying to achieve here, and the opportunity to be a part of that and hopefully be a part of something special here was what sold it to me.”

GIVEMESPORT'S Phil Spencer says...

This is an incredibly shrewd piece of business from Glasgow Rangers.

Jon McLaughlin has proven himself to be a reliable goalkeeper during his career to date, and that's why the Scottish giants were keen on a move.

The 32-year-old will be brought in to challenge Allan McGregor for the number one jersey - a challenge that he'll no doubt relish.

McLaughlin has experience playing for big clubs after spending time with Sunderland, and he'll be hoping to use that experience to help Rangers to the Scottish title.