Paddy Kenny is stunned by comments from new Glasgow Rangers signing Fashion Sakala, who revealed he turned down moves to the Premier League to switch to Ibrox instead.

The Lowdown: Sakala becomes Gers' first summer signing

Gers signed Sakala on a free transfer from Belgian outfit Oostende (rangers.co.uk), making him the club's first new arrival of the summer.

Following the confirmation of the deal, £2.25m-valued Sakala (Transfermarkt) revealed he had the option to move to the Premier League instead but chose the Gers after speaking to Steven Gerrard (The Scottish Sun).

The Latest: Kenny shocked

Speaking to Football Insider, Kenny revealed his shock at Sakala's admission. He said:

"I’m stunned by that, to be honest. I’d have thought he’d want to go to the Premier League and play.

"No disrespect to Rangers or the Scottish league but the Premier League is probably the best league in the world.

"But the fact he’s turned them down reflects really well on Rangers.

"They have got an unbelievable manager in Steven Gerrard. He is going to have a lot of pull when it comes to signing players.

"Rangers are flying after winning the title back after so many years. The atmosphere at the club is the complete opposite to Celtic."

The Verdict: Pull of Gerrard

On the face of it, it is bizarre to hear 24-year-old Sakala turned down a move to England. The Premier League is a more prestigious division, while he would have been able to earn considerably more money south of the border than north of it.

However, the Gers have a joker up their sleeve in the form of Gerrard. Previously a legendary player, many will want to work with him purely on that basis.

After taking the Gers through an unbeaten Premiership season to win the title as a manager (BBC), his reputation has only been enhanced. While the 55-time Scottish champions will always struggle to sign the cream of the crop, they will be able to convince certain in-demand players purely thanks to Gerrard.

In other news, Rangers have been urged to sign this striker.