Jean-Claude Darcheville is out of contract in the summer

The 31-year-old, who is out of contract with the French club in the summer, has agreed a two-year contract at Ibrox.

Rangers claim that they beat off competition from several French clubs for the player known as "The Rocket".

Manager Walter Smith said: "With Dado Prso leaving, we were looking to bring someone in to strengthen up front."

However, at 5ft 8in, he is a different type of player to the tall Croat, being particularly noted for his speed.

Rangers say Bordeaux had offered him a new two-year contract, while Monaco also wanted the Guyana-born Frenchman.

"There were a number of other clubs interested in him and Bordeaux wanted him to sign a new deal, so we are pleased that we will have his talents for the next two seasons," added Smith.

Darcheville becomes Rangers' third signing for next season after deals were struck for Falkirk forward Alan Gow and St Mirren defender Kirk Broadfoot.

He has been a regular scorer in French football for Lorient and Bordeaux but experienced a difficult 1998-99 season with Nottingham Forest.

Darcheville failed to settle in England after the death of his wife and children in a car accident before his move.

But he has hit prime form in the eight years since returning to France and is Bordeaux's top scorer with seven goals in 17 starts this season.

Bordeaux are currently third in the French Ligue 1, level on points with second-placed Lens.

Darcheville was a target for another former Rangers manager, Alex McLeish, in 2005.

A deal to take him to Ibrox failed to materialise, with both sides saying that it was their decision not to proceed.

However, Darcheville was later quoted as saying that the arrival of Paul Le Guen had reignited his interest in a move to the Glasgow club.

Le Guen, who helped Darcheville's development during his time as Rennes manager, was sacked as Rangers manager earlier this season, but it has not prevented the striker heading for Ibrox.