Outgoing Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has been linked with a move to bring Croatian international full-back Borna Barisic to Aston Villa.
Gerrard has naturally been linked to a host of former Rangers players since making the move to Birmingham and Borna is the latest name to be mentioned.
That’s according to The Sunday Mirror (21/11, p72) who claim that Gerrard is considering an £8m bid with the Villains currently short at left-back.
Matt Target holds the slot but according to the Sun, Villa are casting their net far and wide for a replacement with the club having “cash to spend”.
Whilst on his day Borna, 29, is one of the most influential players in the Rangers squad at present the defender is underperforming and facing criticism from supporters.
Ever since the summer’s Euro 2020 tournament – which Borna went into injured – the ex-NK Osijek captain has been a shadow of his former self.
Aston Villa linked to underperforming Rangers star Borna Barisic
Rangers fans know that there is a player in there but Borna has repeatedly shown a mental fragility which many believe is contributing to the club’s stuttering form this season and is more wide spread than just the defender.
There have been several calls to permanently involve Calvin Bassey in the starting line-up with the Nigerian full-back showing strong form this season.
Given Borna’s repeated poor performances many Rangers fans feel Borna could well do with a spell out of the side.
The situation with Barisic – and any potential Aston Villa bid – is one of a number of issues that must be addressed by incoming Dutch coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
The ex-Gers midfielder will take the reins at Ibrox this week and must set about reigniting the spark which is clearly missing from a side who many are accusing of downing tools.
Speaking of Barisic, the Croatian international left-back was pictured with two Ibrox legends during the week who’d been visiting Glasgow for Walter Smith’s memorial service.
