[themaclad]

Norwich defender Christoph Zimmermann has joined German second division side Darmstadt on a three-year deal.

The 29-year-old twice helped Norwich to Premier League promotion after arriving from Borussia Dortmund II in 2017, but featured just five times last term.

Zimmerman had a year left on his deal with the Canaries, though it is not clear if Darmstadt have paid a fee.

The German scored four goals in 139 appearances across all competitions in his five years at Carrow Road.

Speaking before Zimmerman's departure was confirmed, Norwich boss Dean Smith told BBC Radio Norfolk: "He is a huge character and he probably hasn't had as much football as he would want in the past 18 months. It would be wrong of us as a club not to give him this opportunity.

"He's showed as a character and a footballer the type of people we want at this football club."

[themaclad]

Rangers have signed midfielder Todd Cantwell from Norwich City on what the Ibrox club say is "a long-term deal".

The 24-year-old, who is Michael Beale's first signing as Rangers manager, came through the Norwich academy but was out of favour with new boss David Wagner.

Cantwell made 129 appearances for the Canaries, including 45 games in the Premier League, and has had loan spells with Bournemouth and Fortuna Sittard.

"I am delighted and I feel very proud," he told Rangers TV.

"This is obviously a massive football club and I am delighted to get started.

"They want to see a player that works hard and can win them games and that is something I am hoping I can bring.

"The chance to play in Europe and to win trophies, that's why I am here. My career hasn't necessarily gone the way I had planned in the last couple of years.

"The guys here have seen the person I am and the player I am and that means a lot to me, to be given the chance to play at a big club like Rangers and to be given the platform to really kick on and show the player I want to turn into."

"I am looking forward to working with him on the pitch this week and integrating him into our fantastic football club."