STEVEN Gerrard has stated that none of his key players will be allowed to leave Rangers during the January transfer window – and admitted he is confident of tying down Leon Balogun and Allan McGregor on new contracts.

Several members of Gerrard’s side, including Borna Barisic, Glen Kamara, Ryan Kent, Alfredo Morelos and James Tavernier, have attracted interest from clubs in England and across Europe in the past year.

READ MORE: The first great Rangers team whose 'perfect season' remains unique in British football 122 years on

However, the former Liverpool and England midfielder is confident that, with the Ibrox club 19 points clear in the Premiership and through to the last 32 of the Europa League, none of them will be sold this month regardless of what bids are received.

“No one is going out of the door,” he said. “We are really happy with the squad at the moment. I don’t expect any drastic changes in terms of people coming in to join that, certainly in this window, either.”

Both centre half Balogun and goalkeeper McGregor, who have been regular starters for Rangers during the 2020/21 season, are out of contract in the summer. Gerrard, though, is relaxed about their situations.

“There's no talks with any of the players at the moment, but that doesn't mean that we're not keen to keep them with us,” he said. “I think the negotiations will be kept between the club and the representation once they get up and running.

READ MORE: Knocking back £16m Alfredo Morelos bid shows Rangers won't lose any key men in January, says Bob Malcolm

“Allan's in fantastic form and we're really pleased with him. I think Allan's situation is a bit different that most because of his age (the former Scotland internationalist turns 39 this month). The club wants to be very respectful to him.

“I think it will be a base of what Allan wants to do, so, at the right time, I'll sit down with Allan and we'll speak to the people who represent him and we'll have an open discussion on that one.

“But we're really pleased with his form. It won't be a case of judging him on his age, it will be a case of what Allan wants in terms of his own future and we'll be very respectful to that.”

Gerrard continued: “Leon is someone we want to keep hold of. He knows that, he is performing ever so well. He signed a contract with an option of an extension on that contract and we want him to be here beyond this season.

“There is no rush in terms of that one. Leon knows he's wanted here. I think he's enjoying it, he's playing with a smile on his face. He's come in and made the team and the squad a lot stronger.

“In terms of everyone else, it's a case of let's be patient and wait for the right time. When it's the right time we will reward the individuals that need rewarding.”

Meanwhile, Gerrard, whose side take on Aberdeen at Pittodrie in the Premiership tomorrow, admitted that several Rangers fringe and youth players are set to go out on loan.

“I expect quite a few loan deals to be done between now and the end of the window in terms of outgoings,” he said. “There is a lot of interest in some of our younger players and our fringe players in terms of loans. I expect a few people to go out.

READ MORE: Archie Knox: Rangers don't have a Brian Laudrup or a Paul Gascoigne - but Allan McGregor is as good as Andy Goram

“There is nothing really concrete just yet, but as this window progresses, because of the situation we are in with Covid and the pandemic, a lot of clubs are looking to loan players and are looking for favours rather than going and splashing cash.”