Steven Gerrard wants to tie down Connor Goldson “sooner rather than later” and insists he’s confident the defender will extend his Rangers contract.
The former Brighton man was ever-present in the club’s historic first title win in a decade but is going into the final year of his Ibrox deal.
Goldson was a £3.5 million signing in Gerrard’s first season and the Light Blues boss is desperate for him to stay.
But if the 28-year-old doesn’t pen an extension then he will be free to sign a pre-contract in January and Gers risk losing him for nothing.
However, as Rangers prepare to welcome Goldson’s former club Brighton to Ibrox for a friendly on Saturday, Gerrard said: “Talks are ongoing and I’m confident we can get it to where we want to get it but at the same we’ll respect Connor’s space and where he’s at.
“There’s no need to rush, we’ve got a strong personal relationship. His advisors are in touch with the club and things are moving forward but hopefully sooner rather than later we can get him tied down.
“He’s important to the team, to the club and to me personally because he’s robust, he’s a top player and a leader and as a manager they’re the players you want to rely on.
“I’ve got a fantastic personal relationship with Connor. I remember bringing him up here three years ago and he’s done an incredible job, he’s got stronger and stronger each season.
“He’s very comfortable here. He’s a leader and we’ve given him responsibility here by making him vice captain of this club, he’s very settled.”
Meanwhile, Gerrard is hopeful Ryan Jack can return to full training following an operation at the end of last season which ruled him out of Euro 2020 for Scotland.
Gerrard told Sky Sports: “He’s progressing well and will see a surgeon in the middle of next week and hopefully he’ll get the green light to resume full training.
“He’s training with the boys now but it’s all unopposed which is very different. If we get the green light on Wednesday then Ryan is able to go full throttle with the rest of the group.
“Then it’s a case of getting minutes into his legs. He’s weeks away but that’s a big player so that’s exciting for me.”
Rangers kick off their title defence against Livingston on July 31 and ahead of the new campaign we have an exclusive preview which you can get both in your inbox and through your letterbox. Head over here to find out more and secure your copy.
