Rangers performances in Europe have drawn a significant amount of interest recently due to their results both at home and abroad, add this to the increase in internationals now in the squad and it’s easy to see why Steven Gerrard may be dealing with phone calls about his star men on a daily basis.
Speaking as part of his pre-match preparations for the weekend trip to Dundee United the Gers gaffer reassured fans that the club is well aware of the players – and specifically Glen Kamara – that are playing key roles this season and approaching the end of their contracts, as reported by The Scotsman:
“It’s my job to advise when I think people deserve to be rewarded; it’s my job to advise when I predict there’s a lot of noise around a certain individual.
“Obviously I’m trying to protect the club, the board, and the team and everyone from a situation where we could lose one of our best players.
“That’s the reason why we need to try and move his personal situation forward. The board are aware of it, they’re on the same page, and I think it will only be a matter of time.”
“We’re trying to build a team here. Everyone is working so hard to move the team forward. I think the last thing we need now is to lose a big piece of that jigsaw.
“Glen’s happy; he’s enjoying his football and he loves it here. He’s working ever so hard so for me it’s the right thing to do.
“The club is aware of everyone’s contract situation. We’re aware who is performing well, who’s going above and beyond, who’s consistent.
“It’s about timing but if things keep going as they are then the right people will be rewarded at the right time.”
Gerrard has a few players that are approaching in the last couple of years of their contracts, the likes of James Tavernier and Connor Goldson have all been stellar performers this season and you would expect them to be offered improved terms, with Kamara – rated at £10million – being given a salary offer commensurate with his contribution on the park.
Although seeing the players rewarded for fine form is one incentive, making sure that they are on a contract that reflects their transfer value is also an objective that must be met, if we are to finally get the the ultimate dream of self sustainability through buying low and selling high.