John Lundstram new Rangers contract is top priority as midfield star is 'dying breed'

Barry Ferguson is convinced Rangers will pull out all the stops to keep John Lundstram at Ibrox with the former Light Blues captain insisting the midfielder is a “dying breed”.

The former Sheffield United man joined on a free transfer under Steven Gerrard but his contract expires at the end of the season. Lundstram took time to find his feet at Rangers before emerging as a key man during the run to the Europa League final in Seville.

Lundstram struggled to recapture the form of the second half of his first season in Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s first full campaign in charge but has been back to his his best under Philippe Clement. The Scouser netted in the Scottish Cup win over Hibs at Easter Road on Sunday and celebrated by pointing at the Rangers crest in a hint to supporters. And Record Sport columnist Ferguson, speaking on Go Radio, said: “I think they'll do everything they can to tie him down. He's simplified his game. He's got a brilliant energy level about him and looks like he's a real leader.

"He's one of these guys where, I think it's a dying breed in football, he's always communicating and always on people's back if he doesn't feel they are doing the right thing. Since the next manager has come in, he's been by far, Rangers' most consistent player.”

Speaking of Lundstram’s situation back in January, Clement said: It’s a financial thing between John and the club. Both parties have shown an interest to do it (sign new deal) - that is clear. But we will see in the next couple of weeks and months. He’s in a situation where he can sign somewhere else. But it’s clear that he feels good at Rangers and with our way of working. Everyone tells me that he’s showing a better level than he had at the beginning of the season.