Leon Balogun to Rangers transfer return rumour already has answer as 'blue fever' declaration hints deal is ON

A return to Rangers for fan favourite Leon Balogun is being touted by some of the diehard punters - and it looks to be a move the defender would jump at given his claims he caught "blue fever" at Ibrox.

The Nigerian international was sold on a move to the English Championship last summer by Michael Beale after claiming the Premiership crown and Scottish Cup during his time in Govan - but his is now a free agent after his one-yard deal was not extended by Gareth Ainsworth. Beale has since left London to take on the number one job at Ibrox and speculation has ramped up that Balogun could reunite with his former boss this summer to bolster the backline.

Claims are circulating that the 35-year-old has already undergone a medical before a return to The Light Blues - and Balogun has already strongly hinted he has unfinished business in Govan. The centre-back has been spotted in the stands taking in Rangers games - and speaking to the Beautiful Game podcast earlier this year Balogun admitted he didn't want to walk away from the club.

He said: "For me it was a sad departure from Rangers. I loved the club and I really got infected by the Blue Fever, and that’ll be for life. It’s not that I regret being at QPR now but it was a heartbreak for me to leave Rangers.

"It was because I did not leave Rangers, I was released. That’s the fair way to put it. And I did not really expect it. At one point down the line I got prepared for it, but I still not expect it.

“We were talking about a new contract but I didn’t ever receive an offer and it was just conversations really. I asked my agent around March what was going on because my contract was coming to an end.

“I told him it was clear I wanted to stay as I had found my football home