Esclapez (right) played for Spain in the Uefa under-19 championship

Rangers have signed 19-year-old attacking midfielder Aaron Niguez Esclapez on a two-year loan deal with an option to buy the player.

Esclapez joined Valencia as a youth and played against AS Roma in the 2006 Champions League.

The Spaniard has been on loan at Iraklis FC in the Greek Super League since the start of the 2007 season.

Esclapez is due to travel to Glasgow on Thursday to undergo a medical and discuss personal terms.

The player was also a member of the Spanish side that won the 2007 Uefa European Under-19 championship.

MY SPORT: DEBATE I like the fact that if the boy is a great success then we have the option to sign him Andy Quid

Rangers manager Walter Smith has been keen to bolster his midfield after captain Barry Ferguson was ruled out for up to four months after undergoing surgery on an ankle injury.

The Ibrox club are also believed to be interested in Cardiff City defender Glenn Loovens, following the sale of Carlos Cuellar to Aston Villa.

Loovens, 24, has 12 months left on his contract with the Bluebirds.

The Championship outfit say they have received more than one bid for the former Feyenoord player, but have refused to reveal which clubs are interested.