STEVEN GERRARD is confident Rangers can secure the services of Connor Goldson as talks continue over a new long-term deal to keep him at Ibrox.

Goldson has been an integral part of Gerrard's side since joining him in Glasgow during his first summer in charge and he was an ever-present during the historic title-winning campaign last term.

The Englishman is now entering the final months of his Ibrox deal and will be free to speak with other clubs regarding a Bosman switch come January.

Goldson could command a sizeable fee this summer should Rangers wish to cash in rather than risk losing him for free at the end of the season as Premier League clubs monitor his situation.

Rangers remain in discussions over fresh terms to tie him down for the coming years and Gerrard is content with the situation as he prepares for the friendly fixtures with Brighton and Real Madrid this summer.

“I’ve got a fantastic personal relationship with Connor," Gerrard told Sky Sports. “I brought him up here three years ago and he’s done an incredible job. He’s got stronger and stronger each season.

“He’s very comfortable here, he’s a big leader. We’ve given him big responsibility making him vice-captain of this football club.

“He’s very settled and talks are on-going. I’m confident we can get it to where we need to get it.

“But at the same time we will respect Connor’s space. There’s no need to rush.

“We’ve got that strong personal relationship, his advisers are in touch with the club and things are moving forward.

“Hopefully sooner rather than later we can get him tied down because he’s very important to the team, the club and to me personally because he’s robust, he’s a top player and a leader.

"As a manager those are the type of players you need to rely on."