Gerrard warns potential suitors off Ibrox left-back
STEVEN Gerrard last night warned clubs interested in signing Borna Barisic that Rangers are determined to keep their on-form left back and insisted it will take a huge bid to secure his services.
Croatia internationalist Barisic has started the new season strongly and scored the first goal and set up the second in a 3-0 victory over St Johnstone in their Premiership game at Ibrox on Wednesday.
The 27-year-old, a £2.2m signing from Osijek in his homeland in 2018, has attracted interest from Serie A outfit Roma last season and Premier League new boys Leeds United this summer.
But Gerrard, whose side will look to maintain their winning start to the new league campaign when they take on Livingston away tomorrow, has no desire to let the player, who signed a contract extension tying him to the Glasgow club until 2024 in January, leave.
“We’re not surprised if there is any interest in Borna,” he said. “Of course we’re not because he has been a consistent performer for us for some time now and has started the season so brightly again. But he has signed a long-term deal here, everyone loves him, the fans like him and he was in the running for player of the year.
“Left-backs are difficult to get. It’s the reason why Arsenal paid so heavily for Kieran Tierney. It’s the reason why Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool has just had to spend £11m or £12m for another left-back when he already has one that’s worth whatever amount.
“They are difficult to get.
And we own one. It doesn’t matter, he’s staying here. He’s not for sale. But if someone did come, they would have to bring an awful lot of money.”
Gerrard added: “We are even stronger than strong, really. Borna is happy here, he’s settled. He loves it here and we love him.
“We have all had to work ever so hard for that, no one more than Borna. His teammates have helped him settle. And as a staff and a club we have worked ever so hard to make him happy. So we want to just enjoy that and hope it stays like that for a long time. But we are not deluded here. We know that every single player on the planet has a price.”
Barisic struggled for fitness and form after first arriving in this country two years ago and his manager lauded his defender for the way he has overcome that difficult start to become a key first team player.
“I don’t think fans ever doubted his ability because they saw it first hand in the two games against Osijek,” said Gerrard. “They saw the threat, quality and talent.
“What people on the outside need to understand is that some people settle quicker than others.
“They need time to settle into the city. They need to get used to their team-mates, the staff, a different way of playing, a different lifestyle and climate. There are a lot of factors that come into it. Once Borna did settle, he has been ever so consistent and we are delighted to have him.”
Meanwhile, Gerrard has admitted that he faces a major selection problem when his first-choice goalkeeper Allan McGregor regains full fitness due to the form of Jon McLaughlin against St Mirren and St Johnstone.
“Jon’s certainly taken his chance and really it’s no surprise because we have tracked Jon for some time,” the Ibrox manager said.
“He has experience, we knew he was a good goalie and we knew he’d proved himself at this level before.
“We have two very good goalies vying for No1. Allan is still injured and will miss the weekend so it’s another opportunity for Jon to impress. It will be a headache I have wanted for a long time.”