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Football

06th Jan 2019

Rangers announce signing of Jermain Defoe from Bournemouth

Rangers have announced the signing of Jermain Defoe on an 18-month loan from AFC Bournemouth as they look to win the Scottish Premiership

Reuben Pinder

Defoe reunites with his former England teammate

Rangers have announced the signing of Jermain Defoe on an 18-month loan from AFC Bournemouth, subject to international clearance.

Manager Steven Gerrard said: “I’m delighted to be able to welcome Jermain to Rangers. He is an exceptionally talented striker and vastly experienced footballer who has scored goals at every club he has played for”

Director of Football Mark Allen added: “It’s really helpful to get work on this front done early in the transfer window because it means we should be able to hit the ground running after the winter break. I believe that is vitally important.”

The 36-year-old striker reunites with his former England teammate Steven Gerrard, who is spearheading Rangers’ title challenge in his first season in senior management.

Rangers won their first old firm derby in 13 clashes recently thanks to a goal from Ryan Jack, and currently sit second in the Scottish Premiership, level on points with arch rivals Celtic.

It is set to be the closest title race in Scotland for years, and Defoe’s finishing ability will give Rangers a huge boost.

Defoe has scored 162 Premier League goals throughout his twenty-year professional career, making 496 appearances. He departs having made just eight appearances for the Cherries this season after the south coast club signed Dominic Solanke from Liverpool for £19m.