BALOGUN SHOWN THE IBROX EXIT DOOR

LEON BALOGUN last night left Rangers as Gio van Bronckhorst steps up his summer rebuild.

The defender’s contract expired this month and the 33-year-old wasn’t offered a new deal despite speaking only last week of his desire to extend his stay in Govan.

Balogun (above) played a huge part in Rangers’ first title in a decade after being signed on a free transfer by Steven Gerrard from Wigan.

He was also a key figure in Gers’ sensational run to the Europa League Final last month with big performances against Borussia Dortmund, Red Star Belgrade and Braga.

In total Balogun made 65 appearances for the club, the last of those coming in the Scottish Cup Final victory over Hearts last month.

The Nigeria international spoke after that Hampden clash of his love for the club, adding: “I would love to stay, I hope they know that and I hope I can announce something soon”

But having been shunted down the pecking order by the form of Calvin Bassey and the arrival of John Souttar, Balogun’s future now lies away from Ibrox.

Gers boss van Bronckhorst was also boosted by Connor Goldson penning a new four-year deal this week and with Filip Helander and Nikola Katic still to come back into the squad plus the emergence of Leon King, the Dutchman has plenty of cover.

Keeper Andy Firth also departs after just one appearance in three years, despite Allan Mcgregor yet to decide on his future.

Bassey, meanwhile, continues to catch the eye all over the world as COPA90 have named him their breakthrough player of the season.

That comes after a performance for Nigeria against Ecuador which earned him a 9/10 rave review.

Bassey was one of the stars of the show for Rangers last season and put his name in the headlines on their way to the Europa League Final.

It brought individual honours for the 22-year-old who was crowned Rangers’ Young Player of the Year and named in the Europa League Team of the Season.