The Scottish champions confirmed earlier today that a fee had been agreed between both clubs and that the defender was in Glasgow for a medical and to discuss personal terms.

A deal has now been agreed for the Romania international to join Rangers pending a successful work permit application.

Goian becomes manager Ally McCoist's third signing of the summer following the captures of Spaniard Juan Manuel Ortiz and Lee Wallace from Hearts.

He boasts an impressive pedigree, having had a successful spell with Steaua Bucharest before his switch to Serie A, as well making 37 appearances for his national team.

The 30-year-old looks set to miss out on tomorrow's Champions League qualifier against Malmo, with a work permit unlikely to be granted in time.

However, he is optimistic about his move to Rangers, a team he regards as one of the best in Europe.

Goian told www.rangers.co.uk: "I am glad to be here. For me, it is a big honour to play for a club such as Rangers with so much history.

"They are one of the top teams in Europe and they have been playing in the Champions League for many years.

"When you hear a team like Rangers is interested in you, it can only be a good thing. I knew I had a contract with Palermo but they called me and said I could come here if I wanted.

"At this moment, I have only good feelings about this move. I do not know a lot about Rangers and I have only really seen them playing on television.

"I don't really know about the players we have but I know about Mr McCoist because he was a very good player and he is now our manager.

"I hope that I can take a couple of days now to get to know the guys and to get used to my new surroundings.

"This is a different challenge for me but it is a good one. I have changed team and the country I am playing in but I am a fighter and I know everything here is going to be okay for me.

"When the manager needs me, I know have to be prepared to go on the field and do my all for the team.

"I hope the experiences I have had already in my career will help me to do well and be successful here. I have learned a lot and I am ready to use what I have taken on here."

Goian is well aware of the demands to deliver success at Rangers and says he is relishing the prospect of winning silverware with the Scottish champions.

He added: "I am very excited about being here. I am joining a very big club in Rangers and I want to win lots of trophies here.

"I know that is what the people here expect and I do not want to disappoint them. I want to be as successful as the supporters want us to be."

Speaking earlier today, McCoist said: "He's a very experienced centre-half. Strong, aggressive, tall. It's definitely something we need.

"We have been a little bit short defensively for cover and he will be a

welcome addition to the team and the squad.

"I think what you see is what you get, he is a strong, aggressive defender who will attack the ball and win his challenges."