Steve Lomas believes Jermain Defoe could join Rangers

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Rangers have been linked with an audacious move for Bournemouth striker Jermain Defoe.

Jermaine Defoe’s former West Ham United teammate Steve Lomas has told the Daily Record that the sheer size of Rangers could see the veteran England striker tempted by a move to Ibrox.

The Daily Record claim Steven Gerrard’s side have opened talks over a move to lure the 35-year-old north of the border, along with Liverpool striker Dom Solanke.

Defoe is likely to have become frustrated at Bournemouth under Eddie Howe this season, making only 24 Premier League appearances – 13 of which have been from the substitutes’ bench.

Earning £65,000 a week at the Vitality Stadium, there are some doubts as to whether Defoe would move to Ibrox. But Lomas, who played alongside Defoe and also managed St. Johnstone, believes the size of Rangers would convince him.

“Jermain will be looking at the size of Glasgow Rangers. It’s a proper club,” Lomas said. “I’m not even being disrespectful to Bournemouth but they’re not even in the same league as Rangers, and I don’t mean that literally of course. Look at the fanbase. Only Tottenham would come close in size to Rangers.

“Yes Rangers have had their troubles but if he can help them get closer to Celtic he’d be a hero. Jermain loves football so he’ll know all about Glasgow Rangers. He’ll know the size – he’s a bit of a statto that way. He’ll also know of the pressure of playing for Rangers. But he’s been under pressure all his life.”

Defoe boasts huge Premier League experience following spells with Tottenham, Portsmouth, West Ham, Sunderland and Bournemouth, scoring 163 goals in 492 top-flight appearances in English football.

He has two years remaining on his current Bournemouth contract, but could be tempted to work with former England teammate Gerrard as the Liverpool legend looks to revamp the Gers squad.

He has already brought in Scott Arfield and Allan McGregor, with a whole host of other stars being linked. A number of former Liverpool teammates are also reportedly interesting the Gers, including Lucas Leiva and Martin Skrtel.