JERMAIN DEFOE is on his way out of Rangers as boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst reshuffles his Ibrox attack for the second half of the title race.
The striker was handed an extension to his contract last summer as he took his first steps into coaching by joining Steven Gerrard's backroom team.
But Defoe is now poised to leave the champions after making just two appearances - in the defeat to Dundee United and win over Livingston - so far this term.
Van Bronckhorst was followed to Glasgow by former Netherlands striker Roy Makaay when he was appointed as Gerrard's successor in November.
And Defoe's diminished coaching responsibilities and lack of first team opportunities have now resulted in his departure from Ibrox.
The 39-year-old's exit will see the return of Cedric Itten as the Swiss striker prepares to join up with the Light Blues squad once again this week.
Itten has spent the first half of the campaign on loan at Greuther Furth but has now been recalled by Van Bronckhorst.
The 25-year-old scored twice in the Bundesliga and will now have the chance to help fire Rangers to the Premiership title in the coming months.
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