Rangers have opened negotiations to extend contract with midfielder Maurice Edu

Rangers have opened negotiations to extend contract with American midfielder Maurice Edu, it has been confirmed by Glasgow Rangers manager Ally McCoist.

“We’ve spoken to Lyle Yorks, who represents Maurice, about keeping him here; Maurice has 18 months to go on his current deal.” McCoist said.

“We’ve been very pleased with him. The one thing Maurice does do is work extremely hard – he’s a real grafter and a workaholic. That’s a massive part of his game.

Edu signed a five-year contract with Rangers on August 17, 2008 on a fee of £2.6 million and made his debut for the club in a league match against Kilmarnock in the following month. Edu has played 77 games for Rangers.

“He’s one of these guys who don’t always catch the eye but if you ask his team-mates about him, they’ll say he always gives performances that are helpful to the side.”  McCoist added.

Edu, who was drafted by Toronto FC as the first overall pick of the 2007 MLS SuperDraft, began his professional soccer career with in 2007, against Kansas City Wizards, and he scored his first professional goal against Chicago Fire on May 12. He ended his debut season by winning the MLS Rookie of the Year award.