Joe Dodoo's arrival is a statement of intent says Rangers boss Mark Warburton

Mark Warburton reckons Rangers have sent out a warning to their title rivals after securing their ninth summer signing with the capture of Leicester striker Joe Dodoo.

The 21-year-old England youth international has agreed a four-year deal at Ibrox after knocking back the chance to stay with Claudio Ranieri's English title-winners.

He follows Joey Barton, Niko Kranjcar, Clint Hill, Matt Gilks, Josh Windass, Matt Crooks, Jordan Rossiter and Lee Hodson north of the border and Warburton reckons that influx of fresh talent will not have gone unnoticed by their Premiership opponents.

Speaking after his side all but booked their place in the second round of the Betfred Cup with a 2-0 win over Annan at Ibrox, the Englishman said: "It's a powerful statement. Joey is a Premier League player, Niko is a class act who is working really hard on his fitness and has made good progress.

"Joe is like Jordan Rossiter. He's young with great potential - an exciting talent, technically very strong, a good athlete and a good size.

"He will come in and be keen to make an impression and we're delighted to get him.

"We've got to strengthen the squad and add that quality. Getting the older players in like Joey Barton and Gilksy was fantastic. Now getting the younger ones like Josh, Matt, Jordan and Joe is encouraging too.

"What we have got to do is get the club back to where it was before but that won't be easy.

"All we can do is try and get better every day. If we do that we'll be there or thereabouts."

Warburton's planning ahead of the new campaign was also boosted by the news that goalkeeper Wes Foderingham and defender Rob Kiernan had agreed fresh one-year extensions.

And he revealed James Tavernier and Martyn Waghorn, who both knocked back the club's opening offers, are now close to following suit.

He said: "I'm delighted with the work we've done today. All credit to Andrew Dickson, Stewart Robertson and Frank McParland for all the work they've done behind the scenes.

"To get Wes Foderingham and, Rob Kiernan to extend their deals by a year is good news.

"Tav is all agreed too, it's an extra year as well. The paperwork will be done in the next couple of days.

"The discussions with Waghorn go on. I know you guys make a big deal out of it but these discussions go on. But Waggy's attitude has been first class."

Barton made his Gers debut from the bench as League Two part-timers Annan were brushed aside.

Barrie Mckay rifled Rangers ahead with a sensational 25-yard strike after half an hour, with Waghorn netting his second goal in as many games 15 minutes from time.

Warburton said: "It was a warm night and a good, physical work-out for us. We dominated possession but it's hard to play against teams who have 10 players behind the ball.

"What we have to do better is penetrate more."

Annan boss Jim Chapman added: "We can't complain. It was a fantastic learning experience for my guys against such quality players."