Rangers have completed the signing of former Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil on a three-year contract.
The 24-year-old became a free agent this week after his deal at the Stadium of Light expired.
Neil spent eight years at Sunderland, including a loan spell at Ipswich Town last season where he helped the club secure promotion to the Premier League.
He had been linked with Middlesbrough and Hull City before finalizing his move to Ibrox.
Decision-Making Process
Neil sought career guidance from former Rangers figures before committing to the Scottish club.
He spoke with former Rangers striker Jermain Defoe and former manager Graeme Murty about the move.
"I spoke to Jermain Defoe, I spoke to [former Rangers manager] Graeme Murty. They were the main ones," Neil said.
"[Scotland and former Sunderland forward] Ross Stewart was from Glasgow so I spoke to him about the area and things."
Neil also consulted with new Rangers manager Derek McInnes shortly after his appointment. The midfielder emphasized that the club's reputation and competitive environment influenced his decision.
"They all spoke glowingly of the club and the area," Neil said. "It's a chance to fight for trophies and fight for titles.
Football is everything in this city."
Neil recalled a previous visit to Ibrox before signing. "I came here a few months ago and had a little tour," he explained.
"It's an amazing football stadium."
Describing his playing style, Neil said: "I like to try and get on the ball and try and dictate games as much as I can.
I'm a bit of a talker on the pitch as well."
Neil reflected on the demands of Rangers' passionate fan base.
"The weight and expectation of the fans to win every week and the feeling of it making or breaking people's weekends is something that drives me," he said.
"I've spoken to many people who have been here, and they said it's a very similar feeling, and as a character and a person that really drives me to give 110 per cent day in and day out."
Neil's move comes amid other transfer activity. Middlesbrough's interest in Neil arose as club captain Hayden Hackney neared a transfer to Everton.
Middlesbrough is also working to finalize a deal for Hull City striker Kyle Joseph for a reported £5 million, though discussions have hit a temporary snag.
Hull City aimed to complete the Joseph transfer quickly to comply with profit and sustainability regulations.
The club has already avoided a points deduction by generating around £7 million from selling goalkeeper Ivor Pandur to Rangers and midfielder Aidon Shehu to Panathinaikos.
