RANGERS have terminated the contract of defender Bruno Alves, leaving him free to join Serie A outfit Parma.

The centre-back arrived at Ibrox from Cagliari last summer but has become surplus to requirements under new manager Steven Gerrard. 

Reports in Italy say that an agreement has been reached for Alves' deal in Glasgow to be ripped up with one year remaining. 

Read more: Rangers boss Steven Gerrard clinches double deal for Umar Sadiq and Lassana Coulibaly​

Read more: Rangers boss Steven Gerrard clinches double deal for Umar Sadiq and Lassana Coulibaly​

The move will give the Portugal internationalist the green light to mark his return to Italy with the newly-promoted Gialloblu. 

The 36-year-old made 25 appearances for the Gers last term, but the summer arrivals of fellow centre-backs Connor Goldson and Nikola Katic have pushed him down the pecking order. 

Rangers begin their Europa League qualifying campaign on Thursday with the visit of Macedonian outfit Shkupi in the first qualifying round.