Edu is Rangers bound: US Olympic star gets international clearance

MAURICE Edu is set to complete his move to Rangers after being granted a work permit.

The United States international, 22, agreed personal terms last week after the Ibrox club agreed a fee of £2.6million with Major League Soccer.

The midfielder committed himself to a five-year-deal after watching Saturday's Clydesdale Bank Premier League win over Hearts.

The transfer can now be concluded after Edu was given the green light to move to Scotland following a successful outcome to today's tribunal, which was attended by manager Walter Smith.

Edu becomes the third midfielder to check-in at Ibrox in the last seven days, following the captures of Pedro Mendes from Portsmouth and Steven Davis on a permanent deal from Fulham.

The highly-rated American comes recommended by former Celtic and Rangers star Maurice Johnston, who is manager and director of football at Edu's former club FC Toronto.

Edu said: "I'm excited about this new chapter in my career.

"Toronto FC will always have special meaning for me because it's the club that gave me my professional start."

Johnston paid tribute to Edu, saying: "Maurice is a talented young player and this move is a wonderful opportunity for him.

"Coming off of his rookie season and his selection to the US Olympic and national teams, Maurice has garnered a great deal of attention from other clubs around the world.

"In the end, we believe the decision to transfer Maurice is in the best interest of his development as a player and Toronto FC."