STEVEN Gerrard has revealed that Rangers centre half Leon Balogun is on the verge of triggering a clause in his contract that will see him remain at Ibrox next season.

Balogun has been outstanding for the Glasgow club both domestically and in Europe since joining them on a free transfer from Premier League outfit Brighton last summer.

He has helped to ensure the runaway Premiership leaders, who take on Hamilton at the FOY Stadium in the league today, have only conceded seven goals in the top flight.

Glasgow Times:

Gerrard has repeatedly stressed that he is keen to keep the Nigerian internationalist, who signed a one year deal when he arrived in Scotland, beyond the 2020/21 campaign.

The former Liverpool and England midfielder brought in defender Jack Simpson from Bournemouth before the January transfer window closed on Monday night.

The arrival of Simpson means he has no fewer than six centre backs in his squad – Balogun, George Edmondson, Conor Goldson, Filip Helander and Nikola Katic are the others.

Glasgow Times:

Gerrard has confirmed that situation will change during the close season – but that Balogun very much remains part of his plans.

The vastly-experienced 32-year-old, who has featured in 21 games at home and abroad, is set to automatically trigger an extension clause in his agreement in the coming weeks. 

Glasgow Times:

“We have six centre backs at the moment but that won't be the case in the summer,” said Gerrard.

“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.”