Ibrox new boy Cardosa is future internationalist, says Caixinha

Rangers manager Pedro Caixinha believes he has signed a future Portugal international in Fabio Cardoso.

Caixinha is set to link up experienced international Bruno Alves with the 23-year-old former youth cap in his central defence after signing Cardoso on a three-year contract.

Cardoso joins from Vitoria Setubal after making 23 appearances following his move from Benfica B last summer.

Caixinha told the club’s official website: “He is a player who everyone describes as having big potential to be one of the centre-halves of the future with the Portuguese national team. We believe in him and he can perform on the right or on the left which is good in a centre-half.

“Fabio is 23 so having an experienced player around like Bruno Alves is good, he is a player whose one main characteristic is leadership so Fabio will feel comfortable and grow and learn from him.”

Cardoso believes he can help Caixinha topple Celtic following the Hoops’ sixth consecutive title.

“For me, this is the best club in Scotland and I will do my best to help us make history together,” the defender said.

“This is a big step in my career and it has always been a dream for me to play here in the UK. The people are very passionate about their football and it is the best atmosphere to play football in and I will do my best.”

Cardoso is the third Portuguese player to sign after Benfica B loan player Dalcio and Alves, who joined from Cagliari.

On the latter, Cardoso said: “He is an amazing player and is one of the best defenders from my country. I know with him I will learn a lot.”

Rangers also hope to secure work permits for Mexican pair Carlos Pena and Eduardo Herrera with reports in their homeland claiming the club have spent close to £4 million in total on the deals.