Defender Balogun set for Rangers contract extension

Defender Leon Balogun will stay beyond the current season in Scotland as he is set for an automatic 12 months contract extension with Scottish champions, Glasgow Rangers.

Balogun has been impressive since making a switch to the Light Blues last summer, playing a major role in the club’s quest to becoming champions as he helped kept 16 clean sheets in all the matches he was involved in.

The Nigeria international needed to make 23 starts in Steven Gerrard’s side to stay at Ibrox beyond this season and the defender earned the new deal after playing enough games to trigger a contract extension.

“Balogun, 32, hit that figure in Gers’ Europa League clash with Slavia Prague. The experienced stopper will now be automatically handed a new 12-month contract.

“Gerrard has been thrilled with the stopper’s contribution to this season’s title victory and more than happy with the agreement,” report says.

Balogun has earned Gerrard’s trust and justified his extension with some solid displays at centre-back and right-back.

It is also believed that the Gers are likely to officially confirm the deal when the squad returns from international duty.

NP/Mercy Chukwudiebere