Wednesday 31 December 2014 15:07, UK
Brentford have confirmed the signing of Rangers midfielder Lewis Macleod on a three-and-a-half year deal.
Sky sources reported on Tuesday that the 20-year-old had completed a medical and agreed personal terms on a move to Griffin Park reported to be worth £1m.
Macleod will join officially when the transfer window reopens on January 3 but he will not be eligible for their FA Cup third round tie with Brighton later that day.
It is believed Brentford's assistant manager David Weir, who played for Rangers for a number of years, recommended the player to Bees boss Mark Warburton and sporting director Frank McParland, who watched him a number of times.
Macleod, who was recently called up to the Scotland squad for first time, made his Rangers debut as an 18-year-old in the lowest tier of Scottish football and has scored eight goals in the Scottish Championship this season.
He established himself as the mainstay of their midfield but Rangers are thought to need at least £8m to remain financially afloat for the remainder of the season, and caretaker boss Kenny McDowall said earlier on Wednesday the deal was too good to turn down.
Warburton said: “I am delighted to have secured such a young talent as Lewis. He has had an outstanding season with Rangers.
"It is testament to the work of the owner Matthew Benham, Frank and his team, and David that Lewis has joined.
"He is a player who can play in all midfield positions, he has two excellent feet and an eye for goal. He will be an excellent addition to the playing squad and I am sure he will play a key role in the second-half of the season."
