WIGAN Athletic have paid tribute to 'outstanding' defender Leon Balogun after the 32-year-old sealed a switch to Ibrox.

The Nigeria internationalist has signed a one-year deal in Govan, with Rangers retaining an option to extend the contract for another season should the centre-half sufficiently impress Steven Gerrard.

The former Werder Bremen and Mainz defender spent part of last season on loan from parent club Brighton at the DW Stadium before signing a short-term deal to help the Lactics in their fight against relegation.

That bid ultimately proved unsuccessful as Wigan were deducted 12 points for entering administration and were demoted to England's third tier after missing out on survival by two points.

Posting on social media after Rangers confirmed the signing of Balogun, Wigan hailed their former defender for everything he had done for the club and praised his 'outstanding' representation of the team.

The club's official Twitter account tweeted: "All the best to Leon Balogun.

"An outstanding representative of our club during your brief time at the DW Stadium."