Jermain Defoe gives update on Rangers player-coach talks

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Jermain Defoe has told the Ladbrokes Social Club that he and Steven Gerrard will discuss signing a player-coach deal in the near future, after Steven Gerrard claimed Defoe could remain at the club in such a role.

Defoe, 37, joined Rangers in January on an 18-month loan from Premier League side AFC Bournemouth, and has since clocked up 35 appearances for Gerrard’s side. In that time, he has been in sensational form – netting 21 times.

This season, the former England international has found the back of the net 13 times in 15 games even though he remains second choice to Alfredo Morelos up front. His current deal expires at the end of the season.

But Defoe has spoke of how he is keen to remain at Ibrox. Gerrard was quoted by the Record as saying that Defoe could sign a player-coach deal, and Defoe has now told the Ladbrokes Social Club – via FaceTime – that talks are expected soon.

“Obviously I spoke to the manager briefly about that,” Defoe said. “At some point, we’ll sit down again and have a discussion. The good thing about it, is that we have got the same agent. I’m loving it, I want to stay, I’ve said that many times.”

TBR’s view – Keeping Defoe is crucial in catching Celtic

Rangers must do all they can to keep Defoe at Rangers in whatever basis. Defoe has been in superb form for the Gers and has shown no signs of slowing down, despite becoming a veteran after turning 37 earlier this month.

Keeping him beyond the end of the season – as just a player, or as a player coach – is crucial in Rangers’ bid to stop Celtic’s dominance of Scottish football. With Defoe keen to stay, the signs are good.