Nicholson has been linked with a move to Deepdale for months

Preston have completed the signing of former Aberdeen midfielder Barry Nicholson on a two-year deal on a Bosman free transfer.

The 29-year-old Scottish player is boss Alan Irvine's first capture of the summer after he passed his medical.

Irvine told BBC Radio Lancashire: "I'm delighted. He made it very clear from the start that despite all the interest he wanted to sign for Preston.

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Buffel rarely played under Rangers manager Walter Smith

Belgium midfielder Thomas Buffel has made his much-anticipated exit from Rangers by joining Cercle Brugge.

The 27-year-old had a year of his contract still to run, but he had rarely featured at Ibrox since Walter Smith became manager in January 2007.

"He wants to get himself in to a position where he was going to be playing," Smith told the club website.

"Cercle have told him he'll be getting a game eve ... Read more »

Rangers learn European opponents

Rangers were losing finalists in last season's Uefa Cup

Rangers will face either Andorra's Santa Coloma or FKB Kaunas of Lithuania in the Champions League second qualifying round in July and August.

Northern Ireland's Linfield face a tough first qualifying round test with Dinamo Zabreb of Croatia next month.

Welsh side Llanelli have been paired with Latvian outfit Ventspils.

Drogheda United from the Republic of Ireland are also involved in the competition and have bee ... Read more »