Torreon (Mexico), Jul 17 (IANS): Forward Eduardo Herrera has signed with Liga MX defending champions Santos Laguna, which begins its title defence next weekend, the club management has announced.

The 29-year-old Herrera is joining the Mexican club on a temporary transfer from Scotland's Rangers Football Club, Santos Laguna manager Dante Siboldi said in a statement on Monday, reports Efe.

The Mexico City native is being brought in to fill the gap left by the departure of Cape Verdean striker Djaniny Tavares, who signed with a Saudi Arabian club after leading the Mexican league in scoring during the Clausura tournament.

Herrera, who was part of Mexico's 2015 Copa America team, is a tall, rangy forward with a nose for the goal.

Herrera, who began his professional career in the Pumas UNAM organization, played for Santos Laguna in 2013 and 2014.

After leaving Santos, he played for Veracruz and then the Rangers.

Santos Laguna's attack will be led by Argentine Julio Furch and Uruguayan Jonathan Rodriguez.

Santos Laguna defeated Toluca to win the Clausura tournament, relying on a roster that included Tavares and defenders Carlos Izquierdoz and Nestor Araujo.

Izquierdoz returned home to play for Argentine league club Boca Juniors and Araujo, a Mexican, signed with Spain's Celta.

Santos Laguna will resume practicing on Tuesday in Torreon, where it will host the Lobos BUAP on Sunday as the club begins its title defense.

The Liga MX's 2018 Apertura tournament ends in December.