DEFOE AND BOYCE SIGN ON THE DOTTED LINE

JERMAIN DEFOE has taken a massive 65 per cent pay cut to stretch his stay at Rangers by another year.

Ahead of today’s clash with Hearts where Northern Ireland striker Liam Boyce is set to make his debut for the hosts, he striker has signed a pre-contract deal to join the club permanently from Bournemouth when his current loan expires in the summer.

Defoe will have to bear the burden of leading Gers’ attack this weekend as top-scorer Alfredo Morelos completes a three-game ban as his team take on Hearts at Tynecastle.

Mirror Sport understands the 37-year-old (right) has passed up more lucrative offers from down south – and sucked up close to a £3m hit on his current EPL wage – to get within the Ibrox pay structure. Defoe has notched 24 goals in 48 games – 16 of them this term – since arriving last January. “I’m just delighted, to be honest. When I first signed, as I’ve said many times, it was an easy decision because I’ve always known about the size of this football club and the history and the great players.

“So for it to get all sorted and for me to secure my future here for another year is very special.”

Boss Steven Gerrard said: “Jermain is an incredible professional. He is a major part of this group, this team and this squad.”

Meanwhile, Boyce yesterday completed his

Hearts v Rangers SPL, Tynecastle, 3pm (Sky Sports)

move from Burton Albion to Hearts and could make his debut against Rangers. The Belfast man (below) scored 14 goals for Burton Albion this season. The 28-year-old has made 21 appearances for Northern Ireland since 2011, scoring once. He last night tweeted: “Delighted to be a jambo. Can’t wait for tomorrow.”