Defoe turns secret agent as Premier League stalwart talked into Rangers transfer
Jermain Defoe was something of a journeyman during his coveted career.
The English striker played for nine clubs in total, but it’s clear he still has a lot of love in his heart for Rangers.
That was made evident after what he did during his role as a pundit for the UEFA European Under-21 Championship final.
Defoe persuades Conor Coady to join Rangers
Both Defoe and Conor Coady were working as pundits for the game, which was won 3-2 by England Under-21s.
It’s no secret that Rangers want to sign Coady. The speculation surrounding this potential transfer has lasted for weeks.
And, in an interview with The Daily Record (29 June), Defoe revealed that he let the defender know what a great club it is.
He said: “I’ve obviously spoken to him and I just hope the deal gets done now. I told him how big Rangers are. I said: ‘Trust me, Rangers are bigger than most Premier League clubs’.”
But does Coady want to join Rangers? That’s the question on most Rangers fans’ lips, seeing as the rumours of him signing have lasted so long.
Defoe is in no doubts about the answer.
He said: “Honestly, his eyes lit up. He said to me: ‘J, if I get the chance to play for a club like that, it would be unbelievable’.”
So, it seems the only aspect blocking this transfer is Coady’s club, Leicester City. The defender still has a year left on his Leicester contract.
The Foxes sacked their manager Ruud Van Nistelrooy on Friday (27 June). That could delay the deal further, as the club’s new manager would likely want to have a say on any potential transfer.
Coady would be a great signing for Rangers
It’s easy to see why Rangers boss Russell Martin is so keen to sign Coady.
The 32-year-old has played at the highest level. He is strong in the air and comfortable enough with the ball at his feet. He is constantly lauded for his leadership skills. To put it bluntly, he’s exactly what Rangers need.
| Appearances | Minutes Played | Goals | Assists |
| 26 | 2020 | 2 | 0 |
Defoe said as much in his interview.
He added in the interview that he doesn’t want any other club but Rangers to sign Coady. He has supposedly been in contact with captain James Tavernier to try and help get the deal over the line.
It would be an exciting time for the former Everton and Wolves man to sign. Martin has been given a fairly sizeable transfer budget by the club’s new owners.
Indeed, it’s reported that Liverpool left-back Owen Beck and Maccabi Tel Aviv striker Dor Turgeman could join Coady at Ibrox.
If these players could become part of the side that rose back to the top of Scottish football, it would surely be a memory that none of them would forget.
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