Stoke signs Rangers midfielder Ness

Stoke City said on Tuesday it had agreed terms with Scotland under-21 midfielder Jamie Ness, who was set to leave debt-ridden Scottish club Rangers after terminating his contract.

Stoke said the 21-year-old Ness would join as a free agent pending international clearance.

The midfielder's move from Rangers could kick off a player exodus at the fallen Scottish giant and record 54-time league champion, which entered bankruptcy protection in February and is in danger of being relegated from the top flight with tax debts of 21 million pounds ($32.7 million).

Ness exercised his right to have his contract with Rangers cancelled, although club chief executive Charles Green threatened to take players who didn't transfer their contracts to Rangers' new controlling company to court.

Green said last month he'd also take legal action against the clubs trying to sign his players. A decision on Rangers' application to operate under the new company and stay in the Scottish Premier League is expected on Wednesday, although a number of clubs are opposed to it staying in the SPL.

English Premier League team Stoke said it had agreed a contract with Ness and his move from Rangers would be finalized with international clearance.

''Jamie is a lad with enormous potential who is clearly determined to make the most of his fresh start in the game,'' Stoke coach Tony Pulis said.