Defoe to Rangers is 'potential game changer'
The potential transfer of striker Jermain Defoe to Ibrox could have a huge effect on the SPFL title race and Scottish Football in general, according to former star Lee McCulloch.
37 year old Defoe, who has been capped 57 times by England, has reportedly agreed personal terms on an 18 month loan deal to Rangers, from Premier League side Bournemouth, as reported by 'Sky Sports'. Although Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe denied any move has been finalised when he addressed the media on Friday, former Rangers captain Lee McCulloch is excited by the prospect of the forward arriving at his old club.
Speaking in an appearance on 'Sky Sports News', McCulloch said: "It's a massive statement, it's a great start to the transfer window for Rangers. Both Old Firm teams are sitting level on points and now it's basically over to Celtic to see what signings they can make because Jermain Defoe, with over 100 goals in the Premier League, is a fantastic signing for the club."
McCulloch continued by explaining what the striker's arrival would mean for the game in Scotland, stating: ""Yes. Steven Gerrard coming and now Jermain Defoe is raising the profile of the Scottish game. A lot of people have had a bit of a go at the Scottish game saying it's not cultured. Well, having played in every league in England and Scotland I can tell you it is very cultured up here in the Scottish Premiership. There have been world-class players come up and not been able to handle it so having Jermain Defoe I think is a real statement and a real good signing."
A further boost for the Ibrox side could see former favourite Steven Davis return to Glasgow. The veteran Northern Irishman has seen his playing time reduce significantly in recent months at Southampton, and Rangers are more than happy to see the midfielder return. Former team mate of Davis, McCulloch praised the possibility of that signing also, by adding: "He's captained the club before, he's won trophies with the club before. He's a fantastic all-round midfielder. He can score and create goals, he's been playing in the Premier League, he's got over 100 caps for his country and he's a really level-headed guy who the young ones in the dressing room can learn from.