Ness rejects newco for Stoke

Jamie Ness is set to join Stoke City on a four-year contract after rejecting a move to the Rangers newco.

The 21-year-old midfielder graduated from the Rangers academy and made his first-team debut in 2010. However, a spate of injuries restricted him to just 18 appearances in as many months. Ness joins a number of players to have refused a move to Charles Green's new Rangers. Sone Aluko, Kyle Lafferty, Steven Naismith and Steven Whittaker are among those who have legally challenged the proposed transfer of their contracts. Ness will become Stoke's first summer signing, subject to all required paperwork being completed. The Premier League outfit will have to apply for an international transfer certificate which the Scottish Football Association will be asked to grant. Should Green attempt to block the transfer, the player's lawyers could seek judicial review or Fifa's assistance.