Ross Wilson is leaving Southampton to join Rangers as their new sporting director.

The 36-year-old leaves his director of football role on the south coast to replace the departing Mark Allen at Ibrox.

Wilson spent four and a half years with the Saints, having previously worked with Watford, Huddersfield and Falkirk.

"I am sure it goes without saying, I am delighted to be joining Rangers. During recent weeks I have had really positive discussions with the club," he said.

Wilson said working closely with manager Steven Gerrard was important, adding: "The vision and passion shared collectively by the board and by Steven in terms of the plans to continue to build the club are exciting.

"Equally it was important that both the club and I shared the same understanding of what this role is and what the football model and culture inside the club needs to look like going forward."

Wilson will leave Southampton on Tuesday and start work with Rangers next month.

"Having worked in football leadership for the last 15 years and for almost a decade in England now is a good time for me to return to Glasgow and be a part of this famous club. I am excited to start next month," he said.

"Steven and his coaching team are doing a great job with things on the pitch, along with the players of course.

"I know some of the squad already and the others I will get to know quickly in the coming weeks. Steven and I are in regular contact and I am looking forward to working with him and developing our relationship further.

"I have chosen to leave a fantastic job and people who I am really close to. Southampton isn't an easy place to leave and it had to be a really interesting opportunity to consider leaving behind what I had there."