Rangers have pulled off a huge coup by appointing Manchester City academy boss Mark Allen as their director of football.

The 54-year old Welshman spent seven years with the Sky Blues, overseeing the £200m construction of City's Etihad Campus and helping establish one of the best academy's in the country.

The Gers endured a lengthy search but believe they have got the man they wanted to help, alongside manager Pedro Caixinha, restructure the club's footballing department.

"We are delighted Mark has agreed to move to Glasgow and become our new director of football," said Rangers managing director Stewart Robertson.

"He is a man of vision who has achieved great success with Manchester City's Academy. He has excellent contacts in football but also the business world and he will be a great asset to Rangers.

"We said we would not rush into an appointment as we wanted the right candidate and we feel Mark is the best man for the job. We look forward to working with him closely in the years ahead in what will be an important role at the club."