Rangers could now have a golden chance to sign Ross Barkley – a player who Giovanni van Bronckhorst wanted at Ibrox in August 2022.
The England international was a target for the Dutchman back in the summer window, although it was OGC Nice who eventually won the race for his signature, signing him on a free transfer from Chelsea.
It was Alan Nixon of The Sun who made that claim – now, Michael Beale could finally bring Barkley to Glasgow.
What’s the story?
Well, Barkley was only given a one-year contract by OGC Nice.
It seems that his terms will not be extended, after a difficult campaign under Didier Digard which has seen him make just seven starts in Ligue 1.
The OGC Nice No.11 has managed to avoid injury issues – quite simply, he has just struggled to get ahead of some fierce competition in midfield for a side sat seventh in France’s top-flight.
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Therefore, Rangers could secure his services on a free transfer in July, at a time where Beale desperately needs midfield reinforcements.
Barkley – who Glenn Hoddle once told the Daily Mail reminded him of Paul Gascoigne – still has plenty of talent under his belt, and like Todd Cantwell, could make a huge impact in Glasgow with a fresh start.
The Everton academy graduate endured a tough time at Chelsea – where many English talents struggle as expensive imports push them down the pecking order – and his brave switch to OGC Nice simply hasn’t worked out.
There is no shame in that, and with the likes of Scott Arfield and John Lundstram declining under Beale, an injection of quality is needed.
Ross Barkley could prove to be a bargain for Rangers
In the context of modern day football, Barkley is only said to be earning £23,000-a-week at OGC Nice.
That is an affordable salary for Rangers, with six players at Ibrox already earning more than that sum – according to Salary Sport.
Barkley is able to play out wide or in the centre of midfield, while he has even been used as a centre-forward on one occasion this season.
With 232 Premier League appearances and 33 caps for England under his belt, Barkley could prove to be a bargain for Rangers if Beale resurrects the interest shown by Van Bronckhorst this summer.