Defender still in the dark over his Ibrox future
There’s plenty of news from Hibs’ Premiership rivals, starting with the report that Rangers manager Philippe Clement is to be active in what will be his first summer transfer window at Ibrox. However, one player who does not yet know if he will be part of that summer rebuild is veteran Leon Balogun.
Balogun has consistently shone for Rangers in both spells at Ibrox, and has proven himself to be a safe and reliable option when called upon. However, his existing deal at the club is due to expire in the summer and he himself admits that he is none the wiser to what the future may hold.
Pressed if playing in such a high-stakes match as a semi-final can be viewed as a positive in his discussions with the club, the Nigerian told The Scotsman: “I hope so. I really don't know. I think those decisions will be made within the club within the next few weeks. I hope I get a notification a bit more timely than the last time around! I would like to think I can be quite positive, and touching on what you said about the manager choosing me [in the Cup]… but I can't really tell you, I don't know yet."
Balogun is one of a number of key players whose contracts are due to expire, and the likes of Ryan Jack, Kemar Roofe and Ipswichlinked midfielder John Lundstram could also leave for free.
League One promotion contenders Barnsley are reportedly planning to disrupt Jimmy Thelin’s Aberdeen plans before they have even got started with a move for talented coach Peter Leven, who is currently serving as the club’s interim gaffer.
The Daily Record understands that Leven is firmly on the club’s radar after an impressive spell as Don's interim manager thus far. The 40-yearold, who is contracted to Aberdeen until the end of the season, has won plaudits for the improvement shown by the team, most notably during their spirited Scottish Cup semi-final display that saw them take Celtic all the way before they lost on penalties.