Rangers are ready to ‘step up their interest’ in out-of-contract Aberdeen midfielder Connor Barron who is claimed to be a transfer target for Coventry City.
The 21-year-old has been offered a new contract but interest is mounting for the deep lying playmaker, with the Sky Blues and Swansea in the Championship reported to be ‘keen,’ according to our sister title the Daily Record, while Bologna, the report claims, have joined the growing list of Italian clubs who are weighing up a summer move for the player.
Now SunSport are reporting that Rangers’ boss Philippe Clement – a former Sky Blues player – is at the front of the queue to land the Scotland under-21 star this summer.
The 21-year-old still has suitors in Italy and England, with Cagliari heading the interest from Serie A, it is claimed. But Gers, who have already signed Jefte, Oscar Cortes and Clinton Nsiala this summer, are keen to land him.
It’s understood Barron has been on a short break in Portugal but could fly back for a medical and contract talks.
Aberdeen would be due compensation for a player who has come through the youth ranks at Pittodrie. If Barron heads for Italy, the compensation payment could be as high as £500,000 due to cross-border rules.
But the Dons may have to sweat over a tribunal decision if the Premiership rivals can’t agree a fee for a transfer within Scotland.
Barron, who has also been linked with Swansea and Middlesbrough, shone under interim boss Peter Leven at the end of last season.
The Sky Blues, of course, still haven’t replaced Gustavo Hamer, and Barron is seen as a dynamic midfielder who can do a bit of everything like the outstanding Dutch/Brazilian, from winning the ball to creating attacking opportunities. His age also means he perfectly fits City’s development model of taking up and coming young players and helping to turn them into star assets under the expert coaching of Adi Viveash.
