JERMAIN ON COURSE TO JOIN GERRARD AT IBROX

experience to their forward line. Defoe has made just four substitute appearances in the league this season, his only Bournemouth starts coming in the Carabao Cup. Earning in excess of £90,000 a week, it’s unclear how much of a contribution to his wages that Rangers can or will make during his potential loan spell. However, despite facing competition from the EPL and English Championship sides with deeper pockets, the Ibrox club have received encouraging noises from all sides as they look to build on the momentum of last weekend’s 1-0 win over Celtic. A former England team-mate of Steven Gerrard, Defoe has 20 goals in 57 caps for his country. He also shares the same agent as the Rangers manager and a flood of bets have forced bookmakers to slash the odds on the former Tottenham striker moving to the Scottish Premiership before the end of the transfer window. Southampton midfielder Steven Davis is also close to agreeing a return to Ibrox on an 18-month deal. His club boss Ralph Hasenhuttl said yesterday that they would look to support the 34-year-old in his desire to move back to Scotland. ‘The fact is, he has half-a-year contract here until the summer, so what we want to give him is a chance to make the next step,’ said Hasenhuttl. ‘If there is a possibility, then we will help him to do so. ‘He has done a lot for this club, and we (want to) find a good solution where we have a win-win situation for both sides.’ Asked if the deal was close to completion in the next few days, the Southampton boss added: ‘It can be. ‘I am looking forward and, if it is, then we will tell you.’