Speculation continues to surround the future of Rangers striker Jermain Defoe with the former England international beginning to attract attention from elsewhere.
Ipswich Town are the lates team said to be interested, however, former international teammate, Kevin Phillips, believes that there is no chance of him stepping down to League 1 to play his football, as reported by Football Insider:
“I don’t want to burst anyone’s bubble but why would you go? I don’t think Jermain would want to drop down to League One, I just don’t see it happening. It’s probably just flattering that he’s been linked to them.
“I would imagine that he could get a good Championship club if I’m being honest. If I was in charge of a Championship club now I would be making enquiries to try and get him for a season, just to try and get you out of that league, simple as that.
“No disrespect to Ipswich, I don’t see that one happening. He will probably stay at Rangers.”
Phillips is right, Defoe loves Rangers, and he clearly wants to stage, it’s just that he has a decision to make based on how he sees his career going over the next few years.
If he stays at Ibrox, there is every chance that he will be given the opportunity to start his coaching career at one of the best academy set ups in Europe, surrounded by top level coaches and facilities. He has to be realistic, he might want to play 30-40 games a season but his body simply won’t allow it.
He made 20 appearances for the Light Blues last season and there will be few players of his age still getting that sort of time for a club with the sort of standing that Rangers have in the game, I just hope that in a few years he doesn’t regret a decision made to squeeze a few extra minutes into what has been an incredible playing career.