Connor Goldson’s contract negotiations, rumbling on since last year, show no real signs of breakthrough following yet another month passing and no announcement pending.

The star defender, such a stellar performer for 55, found his stock rising massively over the course of 20/21 and was previously perceived as a ‘gimme’ for a new deal.

But the former Brighton man, with offers down south, has been less swift than expected to sign a new contract despite being reportedly Rangers’ second-best paid player behind striker Alfredo Morelos.

The classy stopper has been linked with Leeds and other PL outfits, eager for an experienced and composed defender comfortably the right side of 30, and Goldson is viewed as indispensable to Steven Gerrard, who would not consider selling him.

But the manager will be a little disquieted that this saga continues on for the best part of 8+ months and no obvious sign yet of a signature, but he did let slip many months ago that he was trying to persuade Goldson to commit – which was a surprise at the time given how committed he appeared to be.

Goldson has discovered his best form, and he values his own worth, but while he may be tempted by offers from the PL in England, he is unlikely to get CL football there or be held in the esteem he is at Ibrox.

It is, at the end of the day, his choice, and up to him – but the silence is getting louder and Rangers won’t be held to ransom either.