Advertisement

Rangers agree permanent deal with striker Defoe

FILE PHOTO: Scottish League Cup Semi Final - Rangers v Heart of Midlothian

(Reuters) - On-loan Bournemouth striker Jermain Defoe has signed a pre-contract agreement to join Scottish giants Rangers on a permanent basis at the end of the season, the Premier League club said on Saturday.

English striker Defoe joined Rangers on loan in January 2019 and has impressed with 16 goals in 28 games in all competitions this season.

Rangers confirmed that the 37-year-old had agreed a one-year deal that would run until the end of 2020-21 season.

"It's fantastic news. It's something we have been working on over the weeks and it is great to finally get that done and dusted," Rangers manager Steven Gerrard said.

"He is still contributing heavily –- he is a major part of this group, this team and this squad and hopefully, together, we can go and share some success as I think he deserves that."

(Reporting by Hardik Vyas in Bengaluru; editing by Clare Fallon)