Former Rangers star Michael Ball has told The Transfer Tavern that the club should keep Jermain Defoe at the club this summer.

At the age of 38, the former Tottenham Hotspur striker has been used sporadically this season.

He has made 20 appearances in all competitions, scoring seven goals and laying on two assists in a season in which Rangers have gone unbeaten and won the title at a canter.

Defoe’s contract expires at the end of the season but Ball believes that he should remain at the club next season, given the way that he looks after himself.

Indeed, Ball has expressed his surprise that the star even ended up at Rangers in the first place, given the finances involved in doing such a deal.

Speaking exclusively to TT, Ball has backed the former England star, who won 57 caps for the Three Lions and scored 20 goals, to sign a new deal.

Asked if he should be kept at the club, he said: “Oh, yeah. I think he’s another one who Steven brought to the club and it probably shocked a lot of people, who didn’t think it could happen for financial reasons but also his age.

“But it’s proved that it’s worked. It’s what Steven needed, he knows how Jermain is. He’s a fantastic professional, looks after himself.”