Leon Balogun told to find new club as Ferguson makes Rangers exit claim

Leon Balogun has forced his way back into the Rangers fold under Barry Ferguson, but his time at Ibrox appears to be coming to an end.

The defender has played in five out of six matches under interim boss Ferguson, starting the past three of those.

Balogun was particularly poor in the 4-3 win over Dundee at the weekend, however, as he was taken off at half-time.

And it may well be that the 36-year-old is coming to the natural end of his second spell in Glasgow as Balogun nears the conclusion of his contract.

Derek Ferguson expects Balogun to leave Rangers

Balogun has been an important member of the squad this season, playing 24 times in total, but his current deal is due to expire in July.

And speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, Derek Ferguson - the brother of current manager Barry Ferguson - believes he should start looking for a new club.

"I think he'll be off. He's done terrifically well since coming back in, but he's 36 and injury-prone," Ferguson said.

"He's a good player but is he someone Rangers should be looking to tie down? No. He's done well across two spells, but no, it's time for Leon to look elsewhere.

"Rangers will need to look for a younger version of Balogun - a player with pace, power and good in the air. Leon is just too fragile."

Balogun replacement will have to be found

Injuries have curtailed Balogun's appearances this season, and there is no denying that a more reliable centre-back option has to be found going forward.

Rangers chiefs will no doubt be scouring the transfer market already in the hope of finding someone who can slot in from next season, either alongside one of the current options or even another newbie.

Finding a reliable centre-back who ticks all the boxes mentioned by Ferguson will not be easy, but it is certainly doable.

Balogun is one of a handful of players due to either be out of contract or return to their parent clubs come the summer, meaning it will be a hectic off-season for the Gers.