The Scottish Herald reports that both AC Milan and Roma scouted Rangers star left-back Borna Barisic in Braga, as the Italian heavyweights consider a summer move.
Barisic recovered from a knock sustained in the first leg to play the full 90 minutes in Portugal, helping the Gers to keep a clean sheet on the night and to secure a 4-2 aggregate victory.
Steven Gerrard confirmed there was interest from Roma in his player during the January transfer window [The Times], but he later penned a contract extension, tieing him to Ibrox until 2024.
It seems that new deal hasn’t put off the Italian capital club, though, and they’ll face competition from fellow Serie A side Milan.
Verdict
Barisic has been a standout player for the Gers this season, particularly in Europe.
Bouncing back from a maiden campaign where he struggled with injuries and a lack of confidence, he’s made the slot his own and looked every inch the international quality full-back he’d been billed as.
Much-improved defensively, the 27-year-old has also played an important role in attack, registering 14 assists in all competitions.
Therefore, it’s no great surprise that he’s grabbed the attention of some big clubs.
As a fan favourite and a reliable performer, the club would no doubt be reluctant to let him go, but these continued scouting missions suggest that come the summer, it’s likely their resolve will be tested by concrete offers.