Defoe signs pre-contract Rangers transfer to join permanently in summer from Bournemouth after successful loan

JERMAIN DEFOE will join Rangers permanently this summer after signing a pre-contract with the club.

The former England international, 37, has spent the last year at Ibrox on loan from Bournemouth.

But he has now signed a one-year deal that will take effect once his Cherries contract expires and keep him at Ibrox until the summer of 2021.

Rangers confirmed the news that the fans have been waiting to hear in a statement on their website this afternoon.

And Defoe admitted he was absolutely delighted to finally to commit his future to the Light Blues.

He said: "I think the smile says it all! I’m just delighted to be honest.

"When I first signed, as I’ve said many times, it was an easy decision because I have always known about the size of this football club and the history and the great players that have played for this club.

"So I think for it to get all sorted and for me to secure my future here for another year is really special.

“I’m delighted, my family are happy and to have an opportunity to play for this football club is special for me."

Ibrox boss Steven Gerrard, who hinted yesterday that a deal for Defoe was imminent, hailed the veteran striker.

He said: "It's fantastic news. It's something we have been working on over the weeks and it is great to finally get that done and dusted.

"I think it's great news for all the supporters and everyone connected to the club for many different reasons.

"He is an incredible professional with the way he goes about his work on and off the pitch – he is a credit to himself and his family.

“And also on the pitch, which is the main thing.

"He is still contributing heavily – he is a major part of this group, this team and this squad and hopefully, together we can go and share some success as I think he deserves that.”

Rangers sporting director Ross Wilson added: "Jermain is a wonderful professional and character.

"Having his quality and experience in our squad is not only valuable on the pitch, but he is also a huge influence and example to our young players aspiring to represent Rangers in the future."

Defoe has scored 24 goals in 48 appearances in all competitions for Rangers during his time at Ibrox.

He has previously played for clubs including Tottenham, West Ham and Portsmouth, and is currently the seventh highest scorer in English Premier League history.