Rangers defender Ian Murray is on his way to Norwich City and is expected to sign a contract with the Championship side later today according to the Scottish club's official website.

Rangers defender Ian Murray is on his way to Norwich City and is expected to sign a contract with the Championship side later today according to the Scottish club's official website.

Rangers have agreed to let the versatile former Hibs captain go as he had found himself on the periphery of Walter Smith's squad.

The Light Blues had initially looked for a transfer fee for Murray, who joined Rangers from Easter Road in the summer of 2005, but have decided to let him move for free.

Chief Exective Martin Bain said at Rangers' Annual General Meeting: “We took a decision based on the players' wishes, the manager's wishes and where he sits on our books. Ian was not going to feature so we are saving money on the wage bill.”

Murray made 56 starts for Rangers in all competitions over the past two seasons but with the arrival of Carlos Cuellar, Kirk Broadfoot and Steven Whittaker he has been pushed down the pecking order.

The deal with the Canaries has yet to be completed but manager Peter Grant would like to get it done today so that Murray can play in Saturday's game at Hull.

Grant admitted at Thursday's Colney Press conference that he was keen to sign Murray.

He said: “Murray's a good player. I've seen him a lot when he was at Hibs as a boy when he was captain very young.

“He has all the attributes you look for in a player, a top-class professional, left-sided, can play left-back, left midfield, central midfield and centre back and he can do them all well.

“I know his contract's up next year. I've spoken to Rangers about him. I'd be interested in him, there's no doubt about that. He's a good age, 25, 26.

“He's one I've always liked. I'm sure he could add something to us. Yes, if you're asking if I've inquired about him, yes I have.”