Rangers: Giovanni van Bronckhorst must axe Jermain Defoe in January | OneFootball

Glasgow Rangers centre-forward Jermain Defoe could be on his way out of Ibrox.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Frank McAvennie, who suggested in a recent interview with Football Insider that, following his removal from Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s coaching staff at Rangers, the 39-year-old’s time at the Premiership side could be coming to an end.

Speaking about the former England international’s future, McAvennie said: “The manager doesn’t know Defoe, so he can’t have any complaints. He’s bringing in his own team and he needs people he can trust. Defoe will know that as well so I can’t imagine he’s too annoyed. I think his time is up at Rangers now.

“He’s got a few months left on his deal so I can see him hanging around Ibrox until the end of the season. He’s always there as an option and what an option to have, he’s still so clinical. We know he’s a popular boy as well, the players all like him by the sounds of it and he’s a fan favourite. Short-term, he can help, but I don’t see a long-term future there.”

Should Gio let Defoe leave in January?

Yes

Vote

No

Vote

Defoe must go

While it is indeed true that Defoe is something of a fan favourite at Ibrox, considering the fact that the veteran striker is currently taking home a whopping £15k-per-week in wages, it would seem a very wise move for Van Bronckhorst to move the 39-year-old onto pastures new in January.

With Defoe now back to being contracted solely as part of the playing staff at Ibrox, his worth to the club is ultimately reflected by his returns on the pitch – something that does not make pretty reading so far this season.

Indeed, the former Tottenham Hotspur centre-forward has played a grand total of nine minutes for Gers in the current campaign, being left out of every single matchday squad, be that in the league, domestic cups or in Europe, apart from the two fixtures in which he has made an appearance.

1 of 10

How well do you know Morelos? First... who did he score his 100th goal against?

St Mirren Aberdeen Hearts Hibernian

As such, it simply cannot be argued that Defoe is worth the extremely hefty weekly wage the Light Blues are currently paying him, particularly with it being reported that Rangers’ finances are far from healthy at present.

So, while it may be sad to see him go, the sensible move for Van Bronckhorst would certainly be to thank the 39-year-old for all he has done for the club before allowing him to find a new side in the January transfer window.