RANGERS boss Steven Gerrard admitted he would like to keep on-loan frontman Jermain Defoe “for as long as possible”.

The veteran striker last week admitted he would like to stay at Ibrox after his loan spell from Cherries had come to an end.

Former England international Defoe in January agreed an 18-month deal to join the Scottish giants from Vitality Stadium.

Defoe's Cherries contract expires in 2020, which aligns with the proposed conclusion of the loan at Rangers.

He has scored 12 goals in 14 appearances this season, including six in his past three league games.

Speaking about the forward, Gerrard told the Scottish Herald: “If he stays in the form he’s in then of course I would want him around here for as long as possible.

“It’s definitely something that’s on all our minds as a staff and a club.

“He’s in terrific form. I’m sure he’s frustrated with me in terms of his game time at the moment - which I love. That’s what I love about him. He wants to play every minute.

“He’s just as hungry now as he was when I bumped into him probably around 22, 23. First on the training pitch, last off.

“That’s the reason why I think he can go on because he’s still got the hunger and the drive to carry on.

"Jermain will be satisfied with his appearances if he stays fit and in this form come the end of the season. I’ve told him that, to keep going.”

Speaking about his future with Sky Sports last week, Defoe said: “I speak to the manager all the time. He’s just basically said to me ‘I’m delighted with how you’re playing but not just that. With how you are around the place with the younger lads’.

“Hopefully we can be successful together this season and next season. Hopefully at some point something will happen. I want to stay.”

Defoe signed for Cherries on a free transfer from Sunderland in July 2017 and went on to score four goals in 34 appearances for Eddie Howe’s men.