Jermain Defoe's future at Rangers is seemingly yet to be decided but if Steven Gerrard wants to keep him at Ibrox next season, he is running out of time, as English League One side Ipswich Town are said to be interested in signing him this summer.

According to Football Insider, the Tractor Boys are plotting an ambitious swoop for the veteran striker, as they look to back Paul Cook ahead of next season's campaign, where they will surely be hoping for a return to the Championship after two disappointing seasons in the third tier.

Defoe's contract at Ibrox is set to expire at the end of this month, meaning he is free to open discussions with other clubs ahead of a potential summer exit, although recent reports have suggested that Gerrard is keen to keep his former England teammate for one more season.

The 38-year-old has been a fringe player for much of the season but has emphasised his class from the bench in recent fixtures, with impressive goals against Celtic and Aberdeen, so he certainly played his part in the title win.

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Since joining from Bournemouth, the former Tottenham Hotspur man has been superb at times, contributing an impressive 32 goals and 10 assists in just 72 appearances for the Teddy Bears.

Although the likes of Alfredo Morelos, Kemar Roofe, Cedric Itten and perhaps even new signing Fashion Sakala are likely to be ahead of Defoe in the pecking order next season, he can still offer Gerrard a wealth of experience both on and off the pitch, and is always likely to pop up with a goal from the bench.

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However, this news is a bit of a blow to Gerrard in terms of keeping his veteran striker as Defoe may well be tempted by a move to Ipswich where he is more likely to have a starring role and get more regular football, so if Gerrard is indeed keen to keep the "very dangerous" striker at Ibrox, he will have to act quickly and tie him down to a new contract as soon as possible.

And, in other news... Gerrard heading for Rangers disaster with "outstanding" beast who may leave Ibrox