Croatia full-back close to sealing Ibrox move

Rangers are set to announce the £2 million signing of Osijek captain Borna Barisic – and are hoping for a double boost after lodging an appeal against Alfredo Morelos’ Pittodrie red card.

Ibrox boss Steven Gerrard was wowed by Barisic’s displays against his side during their recent Europa League clashes.

The Croatia international was the stand-out performer from Zoran Zekic’s side as they pushed Gers close before going down 2-1 on aggregate.

Now Gerrard has ordered director of football Mark Allen to rush through a deal for the 25-year-old full-back.

He was pictured leaving the Light Blues’ Hummel training centre yesterday afternoon after completing a medical and Rangers hope to confirm an agreement for their 11th summer signing imminently.

If Barisic – who was part of Croatia’s 32-man pre-World Cup squad but missed the cut for Russia – does complete his move, he will compete with Jon Flanagan for the left-back slot in Gerrard’s line-up.

But it will likely spell the end of Lee Wallace and Declan John’s Ibrox careers, with reports suggesting Swansea are set to offer Welsh international John the chance of a return to the principality.

Meanwhile, Rangers have decided to follow through with an appeal against Morelos’ red card at Aberdeen.

The Colombian frontman was dismissed just 12 minutes into Sunday’s clash after appearing to kick out at Dons defender Scott McKenna off the ball.

Gerrard felt McKenna had provoked his player with “two violent barges” and went on to suggest the Light Blues had been getting a raw deal from referees for years.

But when asked after the 1-1 draw with Derek McInnes’ side – whether he would challenge referee Kevin Clancy’s decision – the Ibrox manager said: “There are always emotions straight after the game.

“We’ve got a long journey back to reflect and decide on it.”

But Press Association Sport understands a challenge has now been lodged.

Former Scotland defender Gordon Greer has been released by Kilmarnock.

The 37-year-old has agreed to cancel his Rugby Park deal by mutual consent, 12 months after returning to the club for a second stint.

Borna Barisic could cost £2m.