Steven Gerrard Keen To Keep Leon Balogun At Rangers

The Nigerian international has been outstanding for the Gers since joining in July, and his manager has disclosed the likelihood of having the defender stay beyond the summer

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has confirmed that the Scottish side is pleased with the contribution of Leon Balogun and is looking to extend his present contract.

Balogun signed for Rangers last July after bringing an end to a short spell with Wigan Athletic, committing to a year-long deal that will expire later this May.

The Berlin-born centre-back has gone on to enjoy a fantastic time in Scotland, proving a crucial component of a Rangers’ defence that is the meanest in the country.

Balogun’s defensive contributions have helped Steven Gerrard’s men remain unbeaten in the league while establishing a 20-point lead over reigning champions, Celtic.

The former Mainz ace has a clause in his contract to extend his stay at Ibrox that could be triggered in the coming weeks.

But Gerrard, who is keen to allow some defenders at his disposal to leave Ibrox Stadium at the end of the season, insists he is happy with Balogun and would love to see the Nigerian stay.

“We have six centre-backs at the moment, but that won’t be the case in the summer,” Gerrard was quoted as saying by the National.

“Leon has something in his contract that might trigger on its own in the coming weeks.

“But we don’t have to wait for that because we are really happy with the player and I want him around for next season anyway.”

Balogun has made 21 appearances across all competitions this campaign.